Trade Marketing Manager (Smith Rob)

The Trade Marketing Manager is responsible for managing the execution of all merchandising, trade promotion and event promotion activities, with the aim of achieving targets, maximizing sales and profitability, optimizing growth and providing best in class service to all customers.

JOB SUMMARY        

The Trade Marketing Manager is responsible for managing the execution of all merchandising, trade promotion and event promotion activities, with the aim of achieving targets, maximizing sales and profitability, optimizing growth and providing best in class service to all customers. The incumbent is to ensure that effective marketing strategies are executed in the retail space, driving sales and engagement, and enhancing brand presence and awareness, towards achieving strategic business goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Executes all marketing activation programs to evaluate ROI and supports Marketing in developing new and improved programs for future use.
• Develops and implements trade marketing strategies that align with the Company's overall marketing and sales objectives, understanding market trends, competitor activity and consumer behaviour toward effective execution of promotional plans.
• Designs and executes trade promotions, including in-store displays, special offers, and merchandising strategies. Customizes on-trade and event campaigns and innovates new (point-of-sale) POS material toward increased product awareness.
• Ensures that products are well positioned and presented in retail environments to maximize consumer appeal, including but not limited to, product placement, shelf management, POS materials, category management and planograms.
• Builds and maintains strong customer relationships by partnering and understanding their needs, negotiating terms, and managing agreements to secure optimal placement and promotional opportunities for the Company’s products.
• Prepares reports and presentations for senior management, detailing trade marketing activities, market trends and recommendations for future strategies.
• Works closely with sales teams, retailers, vendors, and suppliers to ensure alignment between trade marketing activities and sales, including but not limited to, coordinating with these stakeholders to support on product launches, special promotions and other key initiatives.
• Conducts research toward opportunities for growth, assessing market conditions and understanding retailer needs.
• Manages and allocates the trade marketing budget effectively, ensuring that spending is aligned with strategic priorities and delivers a positive ROI.
• Segments customers by strategic importance to align resources, service level, and POS opportunities toward improved efficiency and productivity.
• Conducts weekly visits to ensure that customers’ needs are being met, including weekly coaching of team members.
• Oversees the activities of the Merchandising Supervisors toward ensuring that all brands are well merchandised, all guidelines are followed, and that relevant merchandising training is utilized in all executions.
• Maintains monthly Merchandising meetings reviewing overall performance and marketing execution.
• Sends monthly updates on the teams’ performance and relevant trade information to Division Manager.
• Leads in the development and accountability of designated teams, and actions disciplinary particulars where required.
• Manages vacation and sick leave to ensure business continuity and coverage of all processes and systems.
• Assists with events management and planning related to product launches, trade shows and consumer promotions. This includes all coordination aspects, setting event goals, selecting venues, liaising with vendors and managing logistics.
• Assists in the development and management of event budgets, including but not limited to, negotiating with vendors, managing contracts and seeking cost-effective solutions.
• Builds and maintains relationships with external stakeholders to ensure high-quality execution and favourable terms.
• Manages on-site event operations, including but not limited to coordinating staff, managing schedules and troubleshooting issues towards a seamless execution.
• Collaborates with internal teams such as marketing, sales, and creative to ensure all participants are aligned with the event’s objectives and plans.
• Handles post-event activities, such as sending thank-you notes, debriefing with the team, and analyzing feedback.
• Evaluates the success of the event against its objectives and prepares supporting reports for stakeholders.