Area Business Manager - Consumer

PERSOL; Chandigarh; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

PERSOL is seeking an Area Business Manager - Trade to drive field sales across distributors and retailers in India. The role entails leading a sales team, expanding the retail network, and executing trade promotions while ensuring strong market intelligence and reporting.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in OTC/FMCG/pharma sales, proven supervisory skills, and readiness for extensive travel (15–20 days/month). Join a dynamic team to strengthen market presence and visibility.

Qualifications

• 5-15 years in OTC, FMCG, or Pharmaceutical sales with 3-7 years in supervisory role.
• Graduate in any discipline; science background preferred for pharmaceutical OTC.
• Strong analytical abilities; proficient in Excel/DMS/SAP; channel management, leadership and communication.
• Extensive field travel: 15-20 days per month.

Responsibilities

• Drive primary (company-to-distributor) and secondary (distributor-to-retailer) sales to meet targets.
• Appoint and develop distributors, stockists and super-stockists for supply chain efficiency.
• Expand retail network, improve product visibility and merchandising in outlets.
• Lead and coach a team of SOs, TSOs, sales reps, or MRs with joint market visits.
• Plan and execute trade schemes, consumer promotions and product activation activities.
• Conduct market visits, monitor competitor activity, and submit daily/monthly sales reports (DSR/MSR).
• Ensure timely collections, manage outstanding payments, and monitor inventory to prevent stock-outs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Channel management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Graduate degree

Science background preferred (pharma/OTC)

Tools

Excel

DMS

SAP

Job description

Area Business Manager - Trade

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Sales Target Achievement: Driving primary (company-to-distributor) and secondary (distributor-to-retailer) sales to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual targets.
• Distributor and Channel Management: Appointing, managing, and developing distributors, stockists, and super-stockists to ensure efficient supply chain operations.
• Retail Network Expansion: Strengthening the retail partner network, increasing product availability, and ensuring visibility (merchandising) in retail outlets.
• Team Leadership & Coaching: Recruiting, training, and supervising a team of SO( Sales Officers), Territory Sales Officers (TSOs), Sales Representatives, or Medical Representatives (MRs). This includes conducting joint market visits to mentor the team.
• Market Execution & Promotion: Planning and executing trade schemes, consumer promotions, and product activation activities.
• Market Intelligence & Reporting: Conducting regular market visits, gathering competitor activity information (pricing, launches, schemes), and submitting accurate daily/monthly sales reports (DSR/MSR).
• Payment & Inventory Management: Ensuring timely collections from distributors, managing outstanding payments, and monitoring inventory levels to prevent stock-outs.

Typical Requirements:

• Experience: 5- 15 years in OTC, FMCG, or Pharmaceutical sales, with 3-7 years in a supervisory role (team handling).
• Education: Graduate in any discipline (Science graduate preferred for pharmaceutical OTC).
• Skills: Strong analytical abilities (working with Excel/DMS/SAP), channel management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Locational Flexibility: Extensive field travel (15-20 days/month)