Sales Executive

Lindt and Sprungli (South Africa); Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 70 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the premium chocolate sector is seeking a dynamic sales professional to drive growth and maintain high standards in customer relationships. This role involves achieving sales targets, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with promotional strategies. You will leverage data analysis tools to assess performance and collaborate with merchandising partners to enhance product visibility. If you have a passion for sales and a knack for building strong relationships, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a renowned brand's success in a competitive market.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in achieving sales targets and managing budgets.
• Strong analytical skills for performance assessment and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Achieve monthly and quarterly sales budgets through effective planning.
• Build relationships with store managers to influence orders and shelf space.

Skills

Sales Strategy

Customer Relationship Management

Data Analysis

Negotiation Skills

Planning and Organization

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business

Sales Management Certification

Tools

COGNOS

IRI Data Analysis Tools

Handheld Devices for Reporting

Job description

Lindt & Sprüngli (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd started operations in May 2011 and is part of the Lindt & Sprüngli group. Based in Cape Town with regional offices in Johannesburg, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, the company has a network of 16 retail stores and over 120 employees.

As a global leader in the premium chocolate sector, Lindt & Sprüngli has a tradition of nearly 175 years, originating in Zurich, Switzerland. The company operates 12 production sites across Europe and the USA, with distribution through 28 subsidiaries, more than 500 stores and cafés worldwide, and a network of over 100 independent distributors. The group employs over 14,000 staff and reported sales of CHF 4.59 billion in 2021.

Key Responsibilities

1. Achieve monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales budgets.
2. Ensure that expense budgets are not exceeded.
3. Maintain an expected call rate of approximately 8 calls per day.
4. Prepare thoroughly for each call with proper planning, including weekly, cyclical, and annual planning.
5. Implement a weekly call cycle with a target Rand value for each customer, incorporating previous shortfalls.

All calls should include the following activities:

1. Placing all orders.
2. Updating and verifying stock counts.
3. Ensuring customer compliance with listed items.
4. Maintaining shelf health and cleanliness.
5. Ensuring price labels are current and correct.
6. Keeping shelf trays clean and in good condition.
7. Monitoring stock pressure and rotation, addressing expired or near-expired stock.
8. Maintaining correct store layout.
9. Managing point-of-sale and promotional materials to meet quality standards.
10. Building relationships with store managers, regional managers, and relevant staff influencing orders and shelf space.
11. Negotiating free displays and increased shelf space.

Promotional Review

1. Discuss promotional progress with store managers during each call.
2. Utilize COGNOS and IRI data to assess performance.

Negotiated Promotional Elements

1. Increase shelf space and move displays to eye level.
2. Arrange gondola end and on-shelf displays.
3. Negotiate price reductions and increase stock holdings.
4. Monitor sales outflows and report via handheld devices.
5. Prepare monthly performance reports and action plans for underperforming stores.
6. Use handheld devices for accurate data collection.
7. Collaborate with merchandising partners and supervise store merchandisers.
8. Maintain daily contact with the RSM and report non-compliance to the Regional Sales Manager.