Starke Ayres: Retail Field Marketer

Starke Ayres is the foremost African specialist and global supplier of premium vegetable, flower and lawn seed varieties – both for commercial and home garden planting. The following position has become available for a Retail Field Marketer, based in Cape Town.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Purpose: To achieve maximum sales profitability, growth and market penetration within an assigned geographical area, by effectively selling Starke Ayres’s approved range of products within the framework of Company policy. Personally contacts and secures new business opportunities.

Selling

• Consistently achieves monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets.
• Maximizes opportunities for closing a sale and drives market penetration.
• Identifies priority products for his/her area, phased annually, seasonally and monthly.
• Identifies priority customers in line with the priority products in his/her area.
• Is responsible for formulating a customer sales plan. Implements and monitors such a strategy on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Canvasses existing and potential customers regularly in accordance with pre-determined sales routes, calling cycles and appointments.
• Updates existing and potential customers regularly with regard to product information, price lists, specials etc.
• Promotes priority products based on customer needs and product benefits.
• Submits orders to National Customer Service Department promptly.
• Identifies customers without orders and follows up .
• Demonstrates technical selling skills and product knowledge to give effective presentation / advice / guidance to customers.

Customer Service

• Ensures that orders are executed correctly and timeously.
• Contacts customers regularly as per the call cycle, as well as pre-empting and addressing any potential problems swiftly and efficiently.
• Provides necessary advice and information which will ensure that the products are utilized to their maximum potential.
• Conducts in-store customer training programmes to stimulate sales in retail outlets.
• Resolves customer complaints by investigating problems, developing solutions, preparing reports, making recommendations to management, as well as report problems to management where assistance is needed.
• Acts responsibly and professionally at all times, fostering goodwill and a positive image for the Company.

Product Promotion and Advertising

• Identifies promotion/advertising needs in his/her sales area.
• Participates actively in the planning and conducting of exhibition and show-displays and in-store promotions.
• Distributes/shares promotion and advertising material such as product profiles, brochures, leaflets, bulletins, posters, display boards and product samples.
• Liaises with organizations and individuals outside the Company who may exert an influence on the Company’s activities and successes on a regular basis.
• Manages and co-ordinates promotions and product training at customers – Weekends and Holidays during peak season.

Merchandising and Displays

• Packs out deliveries received onto the shop floor.
• Merchandizes and manages shelf space and displays in outlets (Correct pricing, correct PI labels, relevant and sufficient facings, proper rotation - LIFO, expired stock removal, etc).
• Sourcing prime spots and erecting stands during key selling seasons.
• Implements all promotions negotiated with head office
• Regular check ups on stock presented in stand at every call.
• Keeps all areas where stock is merchandised clean at all times.
• Proactively ensures stores are not overstocked, and proactively ensures to sell responsibly into the trade

Administration

• Completes orders clearly and legibly, and with all details as prescribed.
• Regularly submits feedback, expense claims and any other reports as may be required.
• Assists with the collection of outstanding debts.
• Consistently updates the Customer Master Data and Calling Cycles for his/her area on an ongoing basis to ensure that all information is up to date at all times.
• Maintains and services his/her Company vehicle strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and Company policies.
• Attends meetings, training courses etc. as and when required.
• Provides feedback on any changes and new developments in the market place that may affect the Company’s future planning and marketing strategy.
• Ensure to capture customer visits on the Magnitude or current CRM tool

REQUIREMENTS:

• Grade 12 (essential)
• Diploma in sales (preferential)
• 3+ years as a merchandiser
• 2+ year experience in sales