Title:  Channel Activation Manager: Fragmented Trade (x 2 Roles)

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Immediate Superior: Channel Lead - Fragmented Trade
Job Grade: 20
Location: Gauteng 
Type of Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Friday, 25 October 2024

Purpose of the Position

The Channel Activation Manager is fully responsible for the management of execution pertaining to Fragmented Trade Channel, from promotional activities to key initiatives in line with Evergreen, AP and SP strategy and objectives. Supports in the design, analysis and identifying of Fragmented Trade channel strategy and the subsequent achievement of volume and profit objectives. Supports in developing and deployment of PICOS and implementing channel segmentation and prioritisation, select key shopper drivers in priority channels, select winning strategies and produce an action plan to realize these strategies for the Fragmented Trade. Works closely with key stakeholders (i.e. brand marketing, finance, channel service delivery, procurement, regional trade marketing and field sales teams) to ensure execution excellence according to brand & channel plans developed. Supports in developing Integrated Commercial Plan and Annual Plan.

KEY RESULT AREAS

• Co-define channel vision, review key insights & trending, evaluate past performance to identify and define strategies to achieve brand objectives for future growth
• Continuously evolve to market dynamics and co-develop tactical plans to defend and win volume to achieve company targets.
• Develop customer programs in line with portfolio and channel aspirations
• Efficiently manage and execute activities and initiatives in line with achieving the company’s commercial targets.
• Ensure activation plan is aligned to budget and is in full compliance.
• Co-plan for channel promotions & trade plans as per annual calendar to achieve effective and efficient selling in/out and in-store merchandising.
• Administer, collaborate, and run channel loyalty programs to influence channel performance in regions
• Ensure cost efficiency and effective POSM management to eliminate excessive wastage.
• Set Excellent Outlet Execution guidelines according to PICOS consumer drivers (availability, affordability, promotion and visibility) by channel, with support and alignment from brand teams on annual basis and occasionally based on consumer & market needs/dynamics.
• Ensure regular tracking & review of campaigns/initiatives executed in trade and adjust strategies as needed.
• Evaluate and re-apply learnings post campaign to drive execution efficiency and ROI improvement.
• Provide training sessions and product knowledge, portfolio and channel toolkit to support channel partners and sales teams to ensure they are well-equipped to effectively sell Heineken Beverages products.
• Valuable time spent in trade to understand channel dynamics, shopper behavior, activity execution barriers and opportunities
• Follow Heineken Beverages policies and procedures and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

A degree/diploma in Marketing, Economics, Business or equivalent.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Minimum 6+ years of trade marketing / brand management / sales operations working experience.
• Minimum of 3 years managerial experience.
• Knowledge of trade terms within FMCG environment will be advantageous.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• The ability to build relationships with a variety of business stakeholders to effectively manage work output required.
• Excellent business presentation skills and high attention to detail and enjoy working as part of a team.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel.
• High level of communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritise work.

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. HEINEKEN Beverages is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates and values inclusion and diversity