Salvo Grima Group is a dynamic group of companies specializing in distribution, ship supply, retail and wholesale. Established in 1860 in Malta, Europe, and now employs over 250 in seven countries, is seeking a talented Business Development Executive to join our growing company.

The candidate will be based in Goma, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and work closely with our other African offices. Salvo Grima Africa Distribution represents a growing number of world-leading manufacturers including Unilever, Danone, British American Tobacco, Kellogg’s, SC Johnson, Mondelez International and Mars Wrigley.

Salvo Grima Africa Distribution provides an opportunity for Energetic talented people to Apply for the Post of Business Development Executive.

The Business Development Executive will report to the Group General Manager Africa Operations or his designate, he/she will relentlessly pursue the growth and development of the markets within the area under your control by creating, selling and executing joint business plans aligned with our external customers / subsidiary business units. Travel will be an essential part of the role in building knowledge, monitoring trade activity and nurturing the key relationships required to successfully support and grow our business.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

Achieve annual sales targets by ensuring customer orders are placed and shipped on time.
Joint preparation and agreement of annual business plans with customers to deliver sustainable business growth.
Update forecasts periodically based on market performance and adjust plans to achieve results.
Continuously optimize pricing structures relative to changes in competitive positioning.
Prepare, monitor and execute advertising and promotions plans within approved budget.
Prepare and follow through on channel and category plans to effectively defend and grow revenue.

Finance and Control

Ensure all necessary financial instruments are in place ahead of order placement and shipment.
Follow up rigorously for on time payment against customer invoices and the reconciliation of accounts.
Follow up, process and settle all customer debit notes in a timely manner.
Trade and Category Development

Provide customers with the required materials and guidelines including planograms, point of sale and new
product launch briefs for excellent trade execution across our products and categories.
Work closely with customers to build effective coverage and product distribution across key trade channels. Be able to create, measure and optimize routines for sales reps.
Effectively grow our categories by identifying, planning and effectively executing new product and revenue driving opportunities.
Ensure stock guidelines are adhered to both trade level and customer level applying continuous stock pressure.
Bring back knowledge of competitors in the market like shop activity, trade insights and market intelligence to help develop plans to win.
Work closely with our customers to create effective category, product and execution plans with key trade customers.

Customer Relationship Management

 Establish and maintain clear business parameters with existing customers across markets.
 Build and develop effective customer relationships through frequent contact and market visits.
 Act both internally and externally as the face of the customer working cross functionally to execute effectively.
 Keep abreast and highlight the impact of any legal, regulatory or trade barriers that may arise.
 Coordinate, coach and train internal and customer teams to effectively execute agreed plans.
 Report back to the company on any significant customer or consumer queries requiring support in resolution.
Carrying out any other task which may be reasonably required in this position.

Desired qualifications:

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree in sales, marketing, business administration, finance or relevant field.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the fast-moving consumer goods industry.
Proven results in delivering sales targets, working with distributors and the management of supply chain or export will be essential.

Technical Skills

Customer Relationship Management
Export Management
Category and Channel Management
Advertising & Promotion Planning
Value Chain Pricing
Commercial Business Planning
Route to Market
Financial Instruments & Reconciliation
Negotiation
Trade Marketing
Advanced computer skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French required

Key Competencies

Attention to detail
Drive for results
Action Orientated
Relationship Building
Influence and impact including conflict management
Building the brand
Planning and Organizing
Monitoring and Measuring