Manufacturer of professional cooking equipment is looking for a Brand Manager based in Johannesburg. This position is responsible to champion and drive the success of the brand and to develop strategies with the goal of growing and maximizing the brand’s profits and market share while ensuring customer satisfaction. The job represents a balanced customer relationship management effort involving sales and account management , product knowledge assistance, problem solving and solutions to the market. Duties: Responsible for the promotion and sales of the brand. Responsible to understand the market and customers. Responsible for achieving sales targets and the planned increase of market share Customer service, appropriate sales and marketing activities and effective stock management. Maintain a current knowledge of market conditions and competition. Responsible to maintain and grow the dealer network Responsible to maintain and grow the end user network Set up and deliver sales presentations, product / service demonstrations and other sales solutions to customers and various decision-making audiences, and cooking demonstrations. Establish and maintain ongoing rapport with existing and potential dealers and end users. Appropriately communicate the brand identity and corporate position to target markets. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of competitor’s products, services, and solutions for comparison. Develop new accounts, maintain current accounts, and expand the database of customers. Responsible for week / monthly / quarterly sales data and reports. Manage sales, margins, inventory levels, and purchasing to maximize develop rollout guides, training materials, and implementation plans for new products when needed. Identify opportunities across various market segments and develop action plans to improve performance in all market segments. Develop reports for evaluating the profitability of products. Track performance on all SKUs Develop sales and demand forecasts and actual sales analysis for the different market segments on a month-by-month basis. Develop a monthly promotional calendar to enhance sales and profits. Present promotional calendar for approval. Conduct dealer visits to monitor product performance and make recommendations. Build and maintain end user relationships and develop action plans to improve demand and sales within the end user market. Manage supplier relationships to include purchasing, the negotiation of rebate programs, as well as, tracking, and billing for rebates. Develop forecasts to ensure proper inventories are maintained in the warehouse. Requirements: Grade 12 Relevant professional cookery / tertiary qualification At least 3 – 5 years proven work experience in hospitality or catering Direct work experience in a similar capacity in the same or similar industries as well as strategic leadership experience Experience in building and nurturing brands. Driver’s license Excellent understanding of market and customer Able to travel regularly. Business acumen and good understanding of business processes and functions Strong work ethic Energetic and passionate about the brand. High level of energy and enthusiasm. Service delivery and outcomes driven. High accuracy levels and strong attention to detail. Strong communication skills for engaging at a senior level. Strong administration skills. Ability to meet tight deadlines. Able to work individually and as part of a team. Ability to contribute to setting and achieving of budgets. Highly effective in building and maintaining customer and supplier relationships. Superior critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Strong communication and influence skills – clear, concise and persuasive in style. Energized by an entrepreneurial environment and resources. Ability to think creatively and innovatively. Professional judgment and discretion that comes from years of experience in the field. Excellent self-motivation
