Country Manager – UAE

We are seeking an experienced Country Manager for our client, a reputable E- tobacco company that is part of a global group of companies. Location: UAE Job Type: Full Time   JOB PURPOSE: Train, motivate, and lead the FSF team to enable the achievement of all critical sales objectives within the required channels. Actively work towards an optimal level of handling & availability across all categories to reflect positively on volume ultimately. Ensure FSF works towards the achievement of defined coverage and call rate targets. Conduct regular, systematic, and efficient on-the-job training. Monitor day-to-day field operations of the retail, modern trade, and wholesale environment and implement necessary business-building activities to achieve specific distribution objectives, including sales volume, market share, coverage, handling, availability, and visibility.   KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: People Management

• Lead and manage the team by providing clear direction.
• Coaching and giving regular feedback, identifying and addressing training needs in order to close development gaps to achieve individual and organizational plans and objectives.
• Timeously reviewing performance and giving regular feedback, sharing key milestones and learning i.e. handling, volume, coverage, and cycle results, to ensure that the team achieves set objectives.
• Working towards building compelling and efficient teams to achieve a common goal in line with overall plans.

  Territory Management

• Achieve availability objectives in all retail, modern trade, and wholesale channels by ensuring optimal stock levels and availability of the product portfolio.
• Build efficient routing to achieve optimized visit frequency to attain full territory coverage.
• Full usage of territory management tools.
• Monitor and track performance to identify opportunities in the territory and propose action plans that will grow brand portfolio, market share, and volume.
• Understanding retailers, consumers’ behaviors, and segmentation in order to formulate tailored plans to allow brands to be the preferred choice of adult consumers and trade partners.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the UAE market, allocate and control available resources, and approve the cycle-related Route Plans in order to ensure targeted coverage are identified and potential areas of cost reduction or performance improvement opportunities are capitalized upon.

  Market Intelligence

• Consolidate and report on all competitor activities such as merchandising, pricing, promotions, POSM, new launches, and consumer trends.
• Formulate a plan to counter competitor activities and acquire approval from the direct supervisor.

  Manage Trade Engagement Activities

• Retailer education tools – retailer training on CSM delivery.
• Retailer financial education – retailer training on margin and markups.
• Manage all trade programs, ensuring full compliance and return on investment.
• Ensure quality of execution, prioritize activities efficiently, and drive excellence across retail and wholesale channels.
• Manage available resources to ensure the consistent and highest possible standard of brand and trade communication across all channels.

  Manage Trade Relationships

• Manage trade relationships and business-building activities such as business reviews, credit limit reviews, account status, deliveries, and stock-on-hand reports with all trade partners and stakeholders across retail, modern trade, and wholesale channels to ensure market share, volume, and portfolio growth.

  Compliance & Legal Framework

• Apply the highest standards of integrity and full compliance with policies and procedures.

  General Administration

• Ensure general administration is within agreed standards including stock reconciliations, personnel files, and deal reconciliation.
• Fleet management, performance improvement plans, and understanding the signed agreement of all relevant policies and procedures.

  QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS Qualifications

• College/University

Experience

• 5–7 years of managerial experience in the FMCG, retail, or distributor industry, with strong exposure to retail sales, modern trade, and wholesale channel management.

Skills

• Project Management Skills
• Administration Skills
• Business Understanding Skills
• Communication Skills

  Requirements

• Distribution & retail experience is must.