- If you believe a trade plan is only as good as its execution, that distributors are partners rather than postboxes, and that ROI might be the most satisfying three letters in marketing you may have just found your next move.
The Role (or your chance to put Montego front and centre, worldwide)
- As our Trade Marketing Manager, you'll lead the development and execution of trade marketing strategies that drive brand visibility and sales across retail and distribution channels in our existing international markets. You'll manage budgets, read the market data (and act on it), and work hand in hand with distributors and cross-functional teams to deliver campaigns that move product, not just opinions.
- Reporting to the Business Development Manager (Existing Markets) and leading our Trade Marketer, you'll be based in Cape Town with a passport that rarely gets to rest in the drawer.
What you'll be doing (besides being brilliant)
Strategic Trade Management
- Develop and implement trade strategies tailored to existing markets and aligned to business objectives
- Keep a close eye on market trends, competitor moves and evolving consumer needs and adapt the plan accordingly
- Identify growth opportunities within existing distribution channels to maximise market penetration
- Keep every trade strategy consistent with Montego's overall value proposition
- Bring distributors and internal teams on board, so trade plans are executed with real buy-in
Channel & Distributor Performance
- Build and maintain strong distributor relationships, with clear performance expectations on both sides
- Monitor distributor operations and guide them to optimise sales, inventory management and market coverage
- Run regular performance reviews with distributors and propose corrective action where needed
- Equip distributors with the tools, materials and training to execute brilliantly
- Keep communication flowing between internal teams and distributors, so operational challenges get solved, not shelved
Trade Campaigns & Execution
- Plan and execute trade campaigns, promotions and in-store activities that make our products impossible to miss
- Oversee the production and distribution of trade materials for each market
- Measure campaign effectiveness through ROI, sales lift and brand presence (and let the numbers tell the story)
- Align trade marketing activities with consumer needs and market-specific demands
- Coordinate with Sales and Operations to make sure campaigns land on time and as intended
Operational Excellence & Reporting
- Track and manage trade budgets, keeping activities firmly within financial parameters
- Analyse market performance metrics and turn them into actionable insights
- Maintain regulatory compliance and accurate documentation of trade-related processes
- Streamline workflows to make trade activities more efficient
- Deliver detailed trade performance reports that highlight trends and opportunities to optimise
Team Leadership & People Management
- Lead and empower your team to hit performance targets and enjoy getting there
- Grow your people through training, feedback and development opportunities
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding and performance management, including disciplinary matters where needed
- Hold regular team meetings that keep communication open and everyone aligned with our culture
- Manage leave and overtime while fostering an accountable, collaborative team
- Encourage innovation and share best practice across markets
What you'll need to bring
- A qualification in Commerce or Business Development in the international trade environment (NQF Level 7)
- An NQF Level 8 qualification in the same field advantageous
- 5 - 8 years of FMCG business development experience
- 3 - 5 years in international trade marketing or category management
- 1 - 2 years of management experience
- A valid Code B driver's licence
- A valid passport, and the ability to legally apply and qualify for a visa or travel permit (this role goes places often)
Know-how you'll put to work
- Channel dynamics and product target markets
- Country practices and economics across diverse markets
- Cultural sensitivity (because what works in one market may not in the next)
- Data analytics
Skills that make things happen
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Category management
- Relationship management and negotiation
- Advanced communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem solving and decision making
- Conflict management
- Project management and agility
And the behaviours that make it stick
- Approachable and customer-centric
- Resilient and adaptable
- Assertive when it counts