Area Sales Manager

Who We Are

Suntory Beverage & Food strives to be the most locally beloved beverage company in every market we serve. Guided by our founding principles of "Growing for Good," "Yatte Minahare" (the spirit of bold ambition), and "Giving Back to Society", we pursue sustainable growth, bold innovation, and meaningful social impact. Across the Asia region, we proudly offer trusted brands including Ribena®, Lucozade Sport™, BRAND'S® Essence of Chicken, Tea+, BOSS Coffee, V Energy - delivering quality products that honor our commitment to harmony with people and nature.

At Suntory Beverage & Health Enrichment, we are proud to be part of the global Suntory Group, a Japanese multinational renowned for its unwavering commitment to health, wellness, and enriching lives. With a legacy deeply rooted in innovation and natural science, we deliver high-quality health enrichment and functional beverages tailored to the needs of Malaysian consumers.

Guided by our mission to “Inspire the Brilliance of Life”, we blend cutting-edge research with a profound respect for nature to support holistic well-being — from the inside out.

We are the proud brand owner of several iconic products with strong cultural heritage and consumer trust:

• Ribena – the beloved blackcurrant drink rich in Vitamin C.
• BRAND’S® – a trusted name in health supplements, including the renowned BRAND’S® Essence of Chicken.
• C.C. Lemon – a refreshing lemon-flavored drink packed with Vitamin C, offering a zesty boost for your daily wellness.

About your role

Role Type: People Manager
Reporting Line: Regional Sales Manager, Central & North
Direct Reports: 1 x Assistant Area Sales Manager, 7 x Distributor Sales Representatives
Function: Sales, General Trade
Location: Kulim, Kedah
Distributor Office: Kulim, Kedah

As an Area Sales Manager, you will drive sales growth and distribution excellence across the North region by partnering closely with distributors, local chain stores, and internal stakeholders. You will play a key role in delivering sales targets, strengthening route-to-market execution, and leading a high-performing sales culture.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starts with 17 days Annual Leave
• 16% Employer EPF contribution
• Medical and insurance coverage
• Optical and dental coverage

What You'll Do

• Drive sales growth through regional sales strategies and execution plans.
• Manage and develop distributor partnerships to achieve sales and distribution objectives.
• Monitor sell-in, sell-out, inventory levels, and monthly forecast accuracy.
• Lead business reviews with distributors and identify opportunities to expand distribution and outlet coverage.
• Optimize trade spend, rebate management, and route-to-market effectiveness.
• Partner with Trade Marketing, Demand Planning, and Supply Chain teams to ensure execution excellence and availability of stocks.
• Conduct regular trade visits to monitor market execution and support distributor sales teams.
• Build a strong performance culture through coaching, leadership, and team development.

What's in it for you

• Opportunity to manage a diverse distributor network and key General Trade channels.
• Exposure to end-to-end commercial management, including forecasting, distribution planning, and trade investment optimization.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams across Sales, Trade Marketing, Supply Chain, and Demand Planning.
• Opportunity to strengthen leadership capabilities and develop a broader commercial perspective.
• Be part of a purpose-driven organization that values ownership, collaboration, and continuous growth.

What You need to be successful

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of FMCG sales experience, preferably within the General Trade channel.
• Proven experience managing distributors independently.
• Experience managing Local Chain Stores and executing trade activation programs.
• Strong track record in achieving sales targets and driving business growth.

Skills & Competencies

• Distributor management
• Sales forecasting and inventory planning
• Sell-in and sell-out management
• Trade fund and rebate management
• Commercial and analytical thinking
• Strong stakeholder management
• Leadership and coaching capability

Traits & Behaviours

• Results-oriented and accountable
• Strong commercial acumen
• Resilient and adaptable
• Hands-on with strong execution discipline
• Positive attitude with a growth mindset
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skill