Africa: Sales and Marketing – Bakery (Formal & General Trade, Chain Stores & Forecourts) posted by SKILLS CONNECTOR

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients in formal trade, general trade, chain stores, and forecourts.
• Meet or exceed agreed sales targets and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Conduct regular visits to clients to ensure product availability, proper display, and compliance with merchandising standards.
• Provide product knowledge, training, and support to retail staff as needed.
• Identify new business opportunities and expand the customer base.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback, and report insights to management.
• Assist in planning and executing sales promotions and campaigns.
• Maintain accurate records of sales, orders, and customer interactions in the company CRM or reporting system.
• Ensure timely delivery and stock rotation to avoid product shortages or wastage.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum Grade 12 / Matric; tertiary qualifications in Sales, Marketing, or Business Administration are an advantage.
• Proven experience in sales, preferably in FMCG, bakery, or food distribution.
• Experience dealing with formal trade, general trade, chain stores, and forecourts is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Customer-focused with a proactive sales approach.
• Ability to work independently and manage own territory.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Basic computer literacy (MS Office, CRM systems).
• Knowledge of bakery products and retail merchandising is an advantage.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Achievement of sales targets for assigned territory/accounts.
• Number of new accounts opened or developed.
• Stock availability and compliance with merchandising standards.
• Customer satisfaction and relationship management.
• Accurate reporting and administrative compliance.