Trade Marketing Manager - FMCG Retail

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay + bonuses

Medical & retirement benefits

Generous annual leave

Hybrid work model

Travel to trade shows

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Trade Marketing Manager in Bloemfontein to drive retail performance across key partners. The role requires strategic thinking to bridge brand strategy with in-store execution and strong collaboration with Sales and Brand teams.

The position offers hybrid working in Bloemfontein, with opportunities to lead consumer promotions, optimize shelf presence, and maximize ROI across multiple retail channels in the Free State region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in trade marketing, brand management, or sales within FMCG.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing trade marketing programs and in-store activations.
• Strong understanding of retail channels, shopper behavior, and FMCG dynamics.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to interpret sales data and market insights.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint) and relevant trade marketing software.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder-influence abilities.
• Experience managing budgets and ROI.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement trade marketing strategies and plans to support sales goals.
• Collaborate with brand management, sales, and retail partners for in-store promotions and POS materials.
• Analyze trade spend, sales data and market trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Lead in-store visibility initiatives, product placement and shelf share optimization.
• Build relationships with retail buyers and decision-makers.
• Create promotional materials, displays, and shopper engagement programs.
• Align national campaigns with local trade marketing execution.
• Manage the trade marketing budget and ROI.

Skills

Trade marketing experience

Retail intelligence

Analytical skills

MS Office (Excel & PowerPoint)

Budget management

Communication & influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business Administration or related field

Tools

Trade marketing software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) landscape, is actively seeking a skilled and strategic Trade Marketing Manager to enhance their presence in the retail sector. This role, based in Bloemfontein, Free State , operates on a hybrid model, combining in-office presence with remote flexibility. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of retail dynamics, promotional planning, and shopper marketing strategies specifically tailored for the FMCG market. You will be instrumental in developing and executing trade marketing plans that drive sales volume, increase brand visibility at the point of sale, and strengthen relationships with key retail partners. This is a crucial role that requires a blend of creativity, analytical prowess, and strong commercial acumen. We are looking for an individual who can effectively bridge the gap between brand strategy and retail execution, ensuring our products stand out in a competitive marketplace. Your contribution will be vital to maximizing our brand's performance across various retail channels in Bloemfontein and surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective trade marketing strategies and plans to support sales objectives and drive brand performance at the retail level.
• Collaborate closely with brand management, sales teams, and retail partners to create and execute compelling in-store promotions, merchandising programs, and point-of-sale materials.
• Analyze trade spend effectiveness, retail sales data, and market trends to identify opportunities for growth and optimize promotional activities.
• Manage the development and execution of in-store visibility initiatives, ensuring optimal product placement and shelf share.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key retail buyers and decision-makers.
• Oversee the creation of promotional materials, displays, and consumer engagement programs tailored for the retail environment.
• Ensure alignment between national marketing campaigns and local trade marketing execution.
• Manage the trade marketing budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and a strong return on investment.
• Provide insights and recommendations to the sales and marketing teams based on retail performance and market intelligence.
• Monitor competitor trade activities and identify best practices to inform strategy development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in trade marketing, brand management, or sales within the FMCG industry.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful trade marketing programs and in-store activations.
• Strong understanding of retail channels, shopper behavior, and the dynamics of the FMCG market.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market insights.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and experience with relevant sales/trade marketing software.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at various levels.
• Experience in managing budgets and demonstrating ROI.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid setting, balancing remote responsibilities with in-office collaboration in Bloemfontein .
• A proactive and results-oriented approach to work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading FMCG company.
• Hybrid work model providing a balance between office and remote work.
• Exposure to a wide range of well-known FMCG brands.
• Collaborative and dynamic team environment.
• Potential for travel to attend trade shows and retail partner meetings.
• Company contributions to provident fund.