A Sales Manager for chilled food is responsible for driving sales and managing relationships within the food distribution and retail sectors, focusing on products requiring specific handling due to their short shelf life and cold chain requirements.
Key responsibilities include building and leading a sales team, developing strategic sales plans, managing key accounts, analyzing market trends, and ensuring efficient logistics for timely delivery of fresh products.
Strong leadership, excellent communication, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of food handling and cold chain logistics are essential skills for this role.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement strategies to expand market presence and drive sales growth in supermarkets, restaurants, and vending channels.
Team Leadership: Manage, motivate, and support a sales team to achieve sales targets.
Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients and distributors, and acquire new business.
Market Analysis: Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities and inform sales strategies.
Logistics & Operations: Collaborate with teams to ensure products are delivered fresh and on time, requiring a strong understanding of cold chain logistics and product handling to maintain quality.
Sales Reporting: Proficiently use reporting tools, including CRM, to track sales performance and provide regular updates to senior management.
Essential Skills
Leadership & Management: Proven experience in leading sales teams and implementing sales systems.
Sales & Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage key accounts effectively.
Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze market data and develop innovative sales approaches.
Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build client relationships.
Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, food manufacturing, and the specific requirements of chilled food products, such as shelf life and handling.
Logistical Awareness: Understanding of cold chain logistics for the storage and delivery of perishable items.