Area Sales Manager Job in Pune at MORDE FOODS Private Limited

Responsibilities:

Sales Team Management:

• Recruit, train, and manage a team of Sales Executives within the assigned area, providing on-the-job training and identifying ways to improve their performance.
• Set sales targets and KPIs for the sales team and monitor their performance.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support to Sales Executives to enhance their sales skills and product knowledge.
• Conduct regular team meetings to communicate sales objectives, share best practices, and address challenges.
• Evaluate sales team performance and implement performance improvement plans as needed, driving performance through effective leadership and motivation.

Distributor Management:

• Identify, appoint, and manage a network of distributors within the assigned area.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with distributors, ensuring alignment with company goals and fostering long-term partnerships.
• Collaborate with distributors to develop and implement effective market development and sales strategies, focusing on market expansion.
• Monitor distributor performance, analyze sales data, and take corrective actions to optimize sales and distribution, ensuring proper investment by distributors in our business.
• Ensure distributors adhere to company policies, procedures, and service standards, including claim processing, discount policies, and administration.

Key Account Management:

• Identify and develop relationships with key retailers, wholesalers, and other strategic accounts.
• Negotiate and manage agreements with key accounts to maximize sales and profitability.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and address any issues or concerns promptly, focusing on customer retention.

Sales Planning and Execution:

• Develop and implement sales plans and strategies to achieve area sales targets and expand market share.
• Monitor sales performance against targets and take proactive measures to address any shortfalls.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and challenges.
• Prepare sales forecasts, budgets, and reports for the assigned area.

Market Analysis and Business Development:

• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences within the assigned area.
• Provide regular feedback to management on market conditions, competitor strategies, and customer needs.
• Identify and explore new business opportunities to expand the customer base and increase sales.
• Be abreast with what is happening in the industry and have the agility to adapt and experiment in their territory by aligning with their seniors.

Brand and Product Management:

• Ensure effective execution of brand promotion activities and trade marketing initiatives in the assigned area.
• Participate in trade shows, exhibitions, and other promotional events as required.
• Take ownership of NPD (New Product Development) and drive successful implementation plans.
• Manage pricing strategy in their markets to optimize profitability and competitiveness.
• Be seen as an SME (Subject Matter Expert) of our product knowledge and USP (Unique Selling Proposition).
• Be seen as an SME with the latest on Sales & Distribution (S&D) strategies.

Compliance and Ethics:

• Ensure proper ethical practices are administered in their area, which includes claim processing, discount policies, administration, and proper investment by distributors in our business.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (Sales/Marketing preferred).
• Proven experience in sales, with a minimum of 8 years in the FMCG or food industry.
• Demonstrated experience in managing sales teams and distributor networks, with a focus on coaching and development.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers, distributors, and team members, with a focus on customer retention.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of the local market, customer preferences, and competitive landscape.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and Data Analytics is a must.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned area.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Sales/Marketing.
• Experience in the Horeca or confectionery industry.
• Strong knowledge of distribution channels and trade marketing practices.
• Experience in sales training and development, including on-the-job training.

Key Considerations:

• This job description may evolve depending on the company's strategic needs.
• The food sales industry is dynamic; flexibility, adaptability, and a proactive approach are essential for success.

Morde Foods is a leading chocolate manufacturer in India that produces a variety of products, including chocolates, creams, cocoa products, and more. The company is known for its high-quality cocoa and customized formulations. Morde Foods is estimated to have a 30–35% market share in the Indian compound chocolate market.