Merchandiser - Field Sales Department - Western Cape (Brackenfell)
Diplomat South Africa is recruiting for the role of Merchandiser (45hrs) p/w in the Field Sales Department based in Brackenfell, Western Cape. This position will report to the Merchandising Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:
To provide efficient and professional merchandising services to allocated customers by maintaining in order to facilitate sales and improve the shopper experience.
To execute and implement merchandising standards in compliance with Diplomat SA's policies, practices and procedures.

• Deliver merchandising services productively and cost effectively.
• Conduct basic calculations for stock control and case conversion and ensure accuracy.
• Engage with customer to address complaints about deliveries not being on time, out of stock items etc. as the first level of contact.
• Maintain shelf utilisation on a daily basis. In case of gaps on shelves, approach buyers and ensure resolution.
• Ensure rotation of stock in the warehouse/stock room of the customer to prevent product going past the expiry date and out of stock issues.
• Ensure the fastest selling lines are on display.
• Ensure the shelf space negotiated by KAMS materialises in all the stores.
• Build and maintain relationships with the customers.
• Escalate complaints to supervisor/KAM/Sales rep depending on the nature of complaint.
• Accurately complete the recording book, merchandiser timesheet as well scorecard on a daily basis.
• Comply with stipulated merchandising standards.
• Ensure all stock has appropriate pricing labels.
• Engage the customer to implement the brand priority document.
• Monitor all the brands/count lines in order to check stock in store.
• Maintain the recording book with updated planograms and display schedules.
• Take responsibility for self-development through self-study, identification of learning opportunities.

Position Requirements:

• Completed Matric or equivalent, accredited by SAQA OR equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in the Merchandising environment within the FMCG industry.
• Basic knowledge of MS Office and use of relevant devices.
• Basic math and calculations skills.
• Product knowledge with good communication skills.
• Good relationship and time management skills
• Attention to detail skills.
• Good planning and organising skills.
• Must reside in Brackenfell or surrounding areas.

Key Account Manager (Traditional Trade) - Commercial Department - Gauteng

Diplomat South Africa is recruiting for the role of Key Account Manager (Traditional Trade) in the Commercial Department based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The position will report to the Channel Manager - Traditional Trade.

Job Objective:
To build and maintain relationships with Diplomat customers through effective management of customer accounts. To manage all aspects impacting on the account and ensure the elimination of barriers to achieve sales targets. This needs to be in compliance with legal requirements, policy and procedure and ethical business practice.
To align Diplomat strategy to customer strategy in order to drive profitable sales.
Critical to the success of this role is the understanding of the industry, market and competitor landscape and expertise about vendor products in order to drive sales.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct budget management for the allocated accounts and obtain sign off for the plan.
• Conduct Strategic planning for the allocated accounts in order to enable and facilitate sales.
• Conduct effective and accurate forecasting and planning to ensure on time product delivery.
• Conduct market analysis and share information to inform business decisions.
• Contribute to the cost savings target of the business.
• Build and maintain relationships with key customers and their buying groups.
• Negotiate space in stores and structure deals for strategic customers.
• Develop and communicate the promotional plan, to align with the overall vendor promotion plan. Identify gaps and follow up with the vendor to close out.
• Conduct analysis of customer and sales metrics, costs and categories to inform business decisions.
• Compile action plans to grow specific product categories.
• Actively gain competitor knowledge to assist the development of customer competitive edge.
• Ensure the effective management of the customer account and timeous problem solving.
• Develop and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the customer's business.
• Address and resolve escalated issues from sales team for the allocated accounts.
• Ensure sales metrics are captured and tracked per category to create trends and patterns. Utilise this to inform sales decisions.
• Conduct planning and forecasting for allocated customers and their product categories.
• Utilise and align internal business processes and systems to execute sales and ensure operational efficiency.
• Regularly engage with vendor to plan and execute promotions.
• Plan events for customers and involve sales representatives in execution process.
• Facilitate communication channels on all levels to prevent breakdown in information flow.
• Transfer knowledge to the sales team through coaching and mentoring.
• Stay abreast of latest developments in the industry.
• Take responsibility for self-development through self-study, identification of learning opportunities.

Position Requirements:

• Completed Matric or equivalent accredited by SAQA.
• Completed B.Comm Degree in Marketing plus relevant Sales Courses.
• 3 - 5 years relevant Commercial experience.
• 3 - 5 years experience in the Key Account environment, preferably from the FMCG industry.
• Exposure to Formal Accounts Channel of the FMCG environment including Trade Marketing environment.
• Budget Management and Administration experience.
• Advanced Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP etc.).
• Excellent presentation, communication & interpersonal skills.
• Must be proactive, deadline driven and able to work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of attention to detail with excellent planning & organizing skills.
• High analytical ability with strong negotiation skills.
• Own vehicle with a valid driver's license.
• Flexibility to travel to the regions when required.