Sales, Assistant Manager

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales Planning & Target Achievement

• Assist the Sales Manager in developing and implementing General Trade sales strategies and business plans.
• Set, monitor and achieve monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets for assigned territories and customers.
• Analyse sales performance, identify gaps and implement corrective actions to achieve business objectives.
• Monitor sales trends, customer demand, product movement and market opportunities.

2. General Trade Customer Management

• Develop and maintain strong business relationships with wholesalers, distributors, retailers, mini markets, provision shops, independent stores and other General Trade customers.
• Identify and acquire new customers and business opportunities to expand market coverage.
• Negotiate pricing, trade terms, promotions and commercial arrangements within company guidelines.
• Monitor customer orders, payment status, stock levels and overall account performance.
• Ensure excellent customer service and timely resolution of customer issues.

3. Distribution & Market Expansion

• Drive numeric distribution and weighted distribution of the Company's product portfolio.
• Identify new outlets and untapped territories to increase product penetration.
• Develop effective sales routes and outlet coverage plans.
• Monitor distribution, stock availability and product assortment at outlet level.
• Work closely with distributors and wholesalers to ensure consistent product availability in the market.

4. Sales Team Supervision

• Supervise, coach and motivate Sales Executives, Sales Representatives and Merchandisers under the General Trade team.
• Monitor daily sales activities, outlet coverage, call productivity and achievement against targets.

5. Merchandising & In-Store Execution

• Ensure proper product visibility, display, merchandising and shelf positioning at customer outlets.
• Monitor planogram compliance, promotional displays, POSM and in-store activities where applicable.
• Ensure products are properly displayed according to company guidelines.
• Conduct regular market visits and competitor checks to monitor pricing, promotions, product launches and market activities.

6. Promotion & Trade Marketing

• Execute General Trade promotional campaigns and trade activities in coordination with the Marketing/Trade Marketing team.
• Monitor promotional effectiveness and provide feedback on campaign performance.
• Ensure promotional mechanics, pricing and trade offers are properly communicated and implemented.
• Monitor competitors' activities and recommend appropriate countermeasures.

7. Inventory & Sales Forecasting

• Monitor product movement, stock availability and inventory levels at customer/distributor level.
• Coordinate with Warehouse, Logistics and Procurement teams to ensure sufficient stock availability.
• Provide accurate sales forecasts based on market trends, customer orders and historical sales.
• Minimise out-of-stock situations, slow-moving products and excessive inventory.

8. Market Intelligence

• Conduct regular market visits to gather information on competitors, pricing, promotions, new products and customer trends.
• Identify emerging market opportunities and potential new channels/customers.
• Provide management with timely market feedback and recommendations.
• Keep up to date with developments within the FMCG and General Trade market.

9. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Marketing, Procurement, Warehouse, Logistics and Finance teams to ensure smooth sales operations.
• Coordinate customer orders, delivery requirements, promotions and stock availability.
• Follow up on outstanding customer issues, claims, returns and delivery matters.
• Ensure all sales activities comply with company policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant FMCG sales experience, preferably with experience in General Trade.
• Candidates with experience in food & beverage, Korean products, consumer goods or distribution will have an added advantage.
• Proven experience in managing distributors, wholesalers, retailers and General Trade customers.
• Experience in supervising or leading a sales team.
• Strong understanding of Malaysian FMCG distribution channels and General Trade market.
• Strong negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Target-driven, proactive and commercially minded.
• Willing to travel extensively for customer visits and market coverage.
• Possess a valid driving licence and own transportation.