Area Manager (4 - positions)

The Area Manager has responsibility for the management and development of NFM’s business in a specific geographically defined area.

The Position is accountable for the sales growth, collections and customer management within the defined territory in both the Food and Feed sectors and directs any supporting staff to these functions such as Customer Service Representatives and Merchandisers.  The job requires direct management of Sales and Merchandising Team, Trade Marketing and Distribution objectives for an assigned area with the view to achieving and surpassing sales targets in line with NFM policies and strategic objectives.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage Area Sales team to ensure that Sales targets and trade development objectives are achieved by maximizing productivity in Selling, Promotion and Merchandising of the Company’s products, in compliance with Marketing and Trade Marketing strategies and agreed customer service levels.
• Ensures that Customer Service Representatives and Merchandisers adhere to established company policies and ensures the effective implementation of account plans by the Customer Service Representatives
• Ensures compliance by the Customer Service Representatives and Merchandisers with the completion and timely submission of All reports
• Develops and nurtures customer contacts and customer relationships with all customers in the assigned Area
• Identifies and resolves customers dissatisfaction issues and presents mutually beneficial solutions ensuring customer satisfaction in the process 
• Takes responsibility and manages the Account Receivables for the assigned Customer Sales Representatives. Ensures payments are made and deposited in line with Company’s policy and customers’ credit terms and limits
• Supports the Customer Service Representatives in identifying customers for trade marketing opportunities. Develops trade marketing and consumer related promotions with the respective Customer Service Representatives ensuring mutually beneficial outcome for both customer and company. Provide reports showing effectiveness of marketing promotions
• Provides coaching and support to Customer Service Representatives and Merchandisers on proper management of back stock and that FEFO is maintained
• Maintain a system of Performance Management and development through performance reviews, feedback and appraisals to ensure optimum output from Customer Service Representatives and Merchandisers
• Assist in the organization, execution and management of promotions. Provide guidance to ensure that promotional materials used on the trade allow for maximized visibility of the Company’s Products
• Identifies and assists in converting new business opportunities
• Prepares weekly/monthly reports on team’s performance, identify shortfall, plan areas for recovery and new opportunities
• Monitor and presents all market intelligence information (competitor analysis/product analysis) in a timely manner for consideration
• Performs any other related duties as may be required by the function.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or Marketing 
• Minimum of five (5) years demonstrable experience in a junior sales management position
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles would be an asset
• A valid Driver’s Licence and reliable working vehicle
• Excellent strategic thinking skills and abilities
• Ability to use critical thinking and initiative in decision making
• Above-average interpersonal, negotiating and analytical skills
• Sound investigative and report-writing competencies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Ability to manage resources effectively
• Organizational and time management skills