Distribution Partner Manager - Liquor

The Distribution Partner Manager is responsible for driving volume, distribution, and execution growth through assigned wholesale groups and redistributors. This role entails developing business plans, executing key sales initiatives, maintaining strong partner relationships, and ensuring alignment with national strategies. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of the FMCG distribution environment and has a proven track record in sales leadership, business planning, and customer management.

Key responsibilities:
Customer management

• Set sales, distribution, and execution targets for wholesale and redistributor partners.
• Conduct regular trade visits and collaborate with 3rd party sales/merchandising teams to optimise performance.
• Build relationships with key distributors and ensure execution of merchandising standards.
• Track distributor performance using internal systems and benchmark against KPIs.
• Develop initiatives to drive distribution growth and in-market execution.

Business planning

• Create and implement territory-specific business plans aligned to strategic priorities.
• Drive volume, distribution (horizontal and vertical), and executional excellence.

Business Intelligence

• Maintain strong command of business systems and use data to identify and act on sales opportunities.
• Monitor competitor activity and identify areas to gain competitive advantage.

Operational Excellence

• Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, marketing, and operations to align pricing and promotional strategies.
• Manage risk and inventory exposure in accordance with policies.
• Represent the brand professionally in all aspects of appearance and behaviour.

Qualifications and Skills:
Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent relevant qualification)

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• High-level analytical and reporting ability
• Confident with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
• Knowledge of market demographics and regional business dynamics

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of sales experience in FMCG, with strong exposure to distributor/customer management
• Previous experience in wholesale and redistributor engagement
• Key Account Management experience is advantageous

Key Competencies:

• Commercial acumen
• Strategic thinking
• Self-discipline and initiative
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Negotiation and influence
• Resilience and adaptability

Working Conditions:

• Field-based role requiring frequent travel (80–90% of the time)
• Flexible working hours including occasional evenings/weekends
• High-energy, fast-paced environment

Posted on 08 May 12:17, Closing date 7 Jun