International Sales Manager - Africa

Discipline: International
Job type: Permanent
Job ref: 003302
Published: about 1 month ago

There is no other business quite like ours, we think this is a special place to work, even if we do say so ourselves! That means an opportunity like this is not to be missed as we have been making life taste better since 1908.

 

Vimto is enjoyed by families worldwide – in over 73 countries – through a combination of local production and export. We produce carbonated, cordial, still and frozen products, sold in a range of flavours. Our international success is testament to our iconic and distinctive brand, and our strong strategic partnerships with our customers, some of which we are proud to have worked with for over 90 years.

 

ROLE INTRO

Our international route to market is a fundamental growth pillar for the Vimto brand & Nichols PLC. We are accelerating our growth in existing markets alongside expanding our presence in new territories.

 

Africa is a key commercial region in our international business & a strategic priority of the group. The business unit is also exploring entry into South America, a virgin territory for Vimto. This is an exciting time to join our International Commercial Team.

 

We are looking for an experienced International Sales Manager (Business Development Manager) who is adept at sales & new business development in international markets, ideally Africa or regions with fragmented retail landscapes.

 

The purpose of the role is to:

  • Provide vision & leadership for markets within the Region, to drive sales & brand development
  • Deliver the Africa strategy, revenue & margin objectives, particularly in South & East Africa
  • Drive distribution & visibility of products in all channels
  • Research, plan & execute entry strategy into select markets
  • Build strong relationships, & manage & influence new & existing Partners in the Region
  • Identify & develop new business opportunities across RTMs, markets, customers & products
  • Develop & oversee Partners’ / 3rd Party execution of brand-building & sales activities
  • Manage, motivate & develop Business Development & Market Development Executives in markets
  • Analysis of P&L delivery to maximise returns
  • Maintain accurate reports of partners’ sales forecasts, stock holdings & growth plans

You will contribute to:

  • Accurate monthly financial & product forecasting
  • Annual Budgeting
  • 3-5yr strategic planning
  • NPD & NPI Project Management for the Region
  • Offer leadership & support within internal cross-functional working committees
  • Liaise with supply chain & other functions to deliver customer service excellence
  • Provide insight to underpin the financial performance of the Region
  • Frequent periods of time in-market for the above & as a Vimto Brand Ambassador
  • Work with other Business Development Managers, Business Development Executives & the Business Unit Manager to ensure consistent & comprehensive approach with the Region
  • Monthly reporting to Business Unit Manager

 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED;  

  • International sales & brand development in a fragmented retail landscape
  • Building & nurturing sustainable relationships
  • Market entry strategy & execution
  • New business development & launches
  • Multi-layer communication (from street vendor to Senior Management)
  • Language skills desirable (preferably French)
  • Negotiation
  • Managing & influencing diverse & multi-cultural Partners
  • Data & information analysis to inform decisions
  • Reporting upwards / downwards & information gathering / sharing
  • Driving efficiencies & delivering value for money
  • Managing marketing budgets
  • Brand building (not commodity trading)

 

ABOUT YOU;  

  • Flexible, resourceful, resilient, self-motivated, intuitive & pro-active
  • Keen to make a difference in a diverse team
  • Based in the UK and able to travel regularly to local markets and our head office in Newton-le-Willows

 

OUR OFFERING;  

 

No matter where you work in our business you will receive a competitive salary and be entitled to a range of great benefits and perks, here's some of them:

  • 25 days holiday (with opportunity to buy extra every year)
  • Private medical cover
  • Your birthday off work
  • 1 day a year off work to volunteer in the community (you choose)
  • A generous pension scheme
  • Annual Bonus

 

Join us and #findyourdifferent  

 

At the heart of everything is our rich family heritage, an unrelenting ambition to keep innovating, and a true pride in who we are. It is our team of talented people that make us. We are actively looking for difference and we are working hard to make sure all our practices are inclusive.

 

While our people tell us Nichols plc is a great place to work, we know we can do more. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and are learning what this means every day.

We are striving to ensure we are building more diverse teams, we are at our best when we bring together our different life experiences, ways of thinking and individuality.

 

Any job offer is subject to an individual’s Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas.