Trade Marketing Assistant

Merchandising Team Leader

JOB SUMMARY:                

Trade Marketing Assistant  supports and monitors the in trade activities of the Merchandising Team Leaders and by extension the merchandising team by auditing retails stores to ensure products are adequately merchandised and displayed according to planograms as well as overseeing trade marketing activities to ensure that products are presented in a wholesome & appealing manner in addition to minimizing bad/expired stock in the trade.

 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Audit retail stores and report on the following criteria for each product:
  • Adherence to planograms and aesthetics of shelves
  • Pricing guidelines so that they are enforced
  • Product shelf life
  • POP material
  • Document areas for improvement and assist with the development of training plans to address and improve inefficiencies
• Conduct in trade training as required.
• Assisting with coordinating the preliminary setting/merchandising of new locations, especially as it relates to Key Accounts (KA’s) and the larger Independent Supermarkets (ISM’s) according to planogram and other guidelines.
• Regularly vetting the POP material placed in the trade and assisting team members with the proper installation of same.
• Ensure adequate supplies of POP materials to be used the team, e.g. tapes, feather dusters, etc.
• Relieve the Trade Marketing Manager and Merchandising Team Leads (MTL) as required.
• Working with MTL’s to create schedules that are effective for targeting execution of the required tasks such that they are efficient, and can effectively cover the objectives planned for the day (which may be new or a follow up activity) for maximum output.
• Reviewing in conjunction with the MTL’s, the route schedule/journey plan of the Merchandising Team members to ensure full coverage of the major outlets, seven (7) days per week if necessary and to suggest resourcing needs as required. 
• Assist in the recruitment process of Merchandisers and MTLs with conjunction of Trade Manager and HR Department.
• Helping to train MTL’s in how to coach, mentor and lead their team members for effective job performance leading to job advancement (Trainer of trainers).
• While in trade, overseeing any promotional activities in conjunction with the Promotions Coordinator.
• Assist with the coordination of coverage as needed and time/location permits output.

ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in Business or related field and a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a trade marketing role
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a supervisory role

 REQUIRED SKILLS AND SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES

• Solid knowledge of Trade Marketing principles
• Excellent initiative, interpersonal, organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Outstanding written, oral communication and interpersonal abilities
• A team player with a customer-oriented approach
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven thinking
• Must possess the ability to positively engage with partners and customers 
• Quality focus and commitment to excellent customer service.
• Detailed, confidential and methodical in problem solving.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in MS Office and Google suite
• Proficient in report writing, data analysis and compiling reports