Open Secret - Area Sales Manager - General Trade & Modern Trade

Description:

Role Overview

The Area Sales Manager will be responsible for driving sales growth, distribution expansion, and brand visibility across General Trade and Modern Trade within the assigned territory. This role involves distributor management, key account handling, team leadership, and execution excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales & Revenue Growth

- Drive primary and secondary sales targets across GT & MT channels

- Achieve distribution, volume, and value growth objectives

- Execute monthly, quarterly, and annual sales plans

2. Channel Management (GT & MT)

- Manage distributors, wholesalers, and key MT accounts

- Ensure optimal range, visibility, and shelf placement

- Negotiate with MT chains for listings, promotions, and activations

3. Team & Distributor Management

- Lead and motivate Sales Officers / Promoters

- Monitor beat plans, productivity, and market coverage

- Train distributor sales teams on products and execution standards

4. Market Execution

- Implement trade marketing programs and in-store promotions

- Ensure pricing, schemes, and merchandising compliance

- Track competition activity and market trends

5. Reporting & Coordination

- Prepare regular sales reports and forecasts

- Coordinate with supply chain, marketing, and finance teams

- Ensure timely collections and credit control

Desired Skills & Qualifications

1. 5-8 years of experience in FMCG sales (GT + MT mandatory)

2. Strong distributor and key account management skills

3. Proven ability to scale territories and drive numbers

4. Excellent negotiation and communication skills

5. Hands-on, execution-driven, and comfortable in a fast-growing startup

6. Graduate / MBA preferred