Title:  GENERAL TRADE MANAGER

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General Trade Channel Manager

What this position is about - Purpose:

The incumbent will be responsible for the channel strategy, business planning and support for the execution excellence of the strategic plans for the general trade channels, the general trade channels consist of the informal trade channels,

• Independent Trade channel: Independent retailers and RTM outlets

• Township channel: Informal trade and RTM outlets within the geographical townships.                                                                                   The position is to develop in collaboration with key business stakeholders competitive, effective, sustainable channel strategies and initiatives within the General Trade. The focus is on retail stores and related RTM structures with an extended collaboration with other channel custodians to ensure a JTI 360 strategy that supports customer and consumer-centric cross-channel plans. The position's scope will include a broad involvement in all key Trade Marketing business practices. Based in HQ providing the required support to national, regional, and cross-functional department requirements through collaboration and planning. The position will extend to the SEA market where required but with a focus on Southern Africa.

What will you do - Responsibilities:

• Channel Strategy and Business Plans. Township and Independent Trade
• Responsible for JTI’s National Channel Strategy, related Business Plans, Trade activation platforms and KPI Performance.
• Management, development and planning of JTI's National individual channel trade strategies that incorporate informal trade within the Township geographical areas, including a strong cross-channel/outlet strategy. The strategic plan development and management process is led by the channel manager with cross-functional team collaboration, providing JTI with a highly competitive 360 and benchmarked business plan that is tailored where required to achieve trade and brand objectives
• Trade Strategy:
• Provide an overall National General Trade (Township/Independent trade) long-term strategy and strategic annual plans to achieve JTI’s business objectives.
• The development of this national trade strategy will provide the overall direction for JTI's strategic channel strategy and plans. will need to be complimentary to JTI’s brands and regional trade requirements and cross-channel planning. The channel manager will require a strong understanding of this strategy and work closely with stakeholders to strategize and plan to win across channels and with the customer / consumer-centric objectives.
• Route to Market (RTC):
• Custodian a national General Trade RTM Hybrid model with key business stakeholders. Support and custodian a collaborative Sales and Trade Marketing national RTM strategy.
• Joint development and involvement with JTI's key stakeholders of our RTC Model plans and structure for the channels and consumer engagement platforms.
• Strategic Planning:
• Strategic planning to support the effective business plan adoption and execution
• The position requires a strong planning process, project management of key initiatives and working with cross-functional teams. Cycle planning measurement tracking and reporting play a key role. The process involves ongoing engagement with regional sales teams to support their objectives.
• KPI Management:
• Continued performance monitoring, evaluation, and ROI. 
• Create KPI structures for our national and regional business plans to support key performance indicators through the value chain, monitor and report. Engage with stakeholders for review and modification as required. KPI enablers to achieve the channels trade specific objectives, including, but not limited to Volume, SOM and distribution objectives.
• Customer Relationship Management:
• Provide and develop a formal CRM structure to support JTI as a trade partner of choice
• Continued development and benchmarking to deliver JTI as the trade partner of choice through added value service and commercials. Working closely with other channel/account stakeholders to create a cross-channel customer engagement structure
• Trade Insights and Analysis:
• Standardization, coordination and reporting of trade analysis templates and providing trade insights where required to drive national and regional business plans and targeting.
• Utilize trade and consumer data to support JTI’s business plans and execution targeting. Provide the cross-functional teams with relevant insights to assist in knowledge transfer and provide winning plans. Track performance and adjust strategies where required.

Who are we looking for – Requirements:

• Tertiary Qualification; Business or Marketing
• 3-5 Years of FMCG Experience with a focus on developing channel and trade strategies, including a strong understanding of the route-to-consumer model. The position includes RTC brand and trade activation development.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly MS Excel
• Business Acumen; Project Management; Strategic Thinking Professionalism; Persuasive Ability; High Energy Levels; Excellence in Execution, Independent and Pro-Active

What are the next steps in the Recruitment process:

Thank you very much for your interest in the role. You are welcome to apply.

Are you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!

Next Steps:

After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.

At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.