CHANNEL SALES MANAGER (JUNIOR)

Job Summary:
The Junior Channel Sales Manager is responsible for driving sales growth, ensuring product availability, and executing merchandising excellence for Akoma Foods products across hypermarkets, supermarkets, pharmacies, and fuel station convenience stores within Kumasi and surrounding markets. This role independently manages assigned retail accounts, builds strong customer relationships, executes promotional activities, and ensures the consistent achievement of commercial objectives across the Ashanti Region.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sales & Account Management

• Manage and grow sales of Akoma Foods products across all assigned organised retail accounts in Kumasi and neighbouring territories.
• Identify and secure new retail outlets to expand the company's market presence.
• Increase product listings, improve account performance, and support the successful launch of new products.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with store managers, category buyers, and key retail decision-makers.
• Negotiate premium shelf space, strategic promotional displays, and in-store visibility opportunities.

2. Merchandising & Availability

• Ensure Akoma Foods products are consistently available, correctly priced, and well-merchandised according to company brand standards.
• Monitor stock levels, enforce product freshness (FIFO – First In, First Out), and coordinate timely replenishment with internal teams and distributors to prevent stock-outs.
• Ensure compliance with all merchandising standards and brand guidelines at each retail point.

3. Promotional & Trade Marketing Support

• Support the planning and execution of in-store promotions, product sampling, and trade marketing campaigns.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of promotional activities and provide actionable feedback for improvement.
• Represent Akoma Foods at retailer meetings, promotional events, and trade activities to strengthen partnerships.

4. Market Intelligence & Reporting

• Monitor competitor activities, market trends, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for increasing market share.
• Maintain accurate sales records and prepare regular reports on sales performance, outlet visits, and distribution gaps.
• Analyse sales data and recommend strategies to drive business growth and improve account profitability.

5. Coordination & Collaboration

• Work closely with the Key Account Manager, providing regular account updates, identifying risks, and highlighting opportunities.
• Coordinate with internal operations and logistics teams to ensure efficient order fulfilment and timely product deliveries.
• Guide and support field merchandisers where necessary to ensure executional excellence.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or HND in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in sales, key account management, or retail merchandising, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• Industry Knowledge: Good understanding of organised retail operations, category management, and modern trade dynamics.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

• Sales & Negotiation: Strong sales acumen with proven negotiation and influencing skills.
• Retail Expertise: Solid understanding of retail merchandising principles and in-store execution.
• Analytical Ability: Strong analytical and reporting skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; ability to interpret sales data and develop growth strategies.
• Communication: Excellent relationship-building, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Organisation: Strong planning, organisational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple accounts and competing priorities.
• Problem-Solving: Customer-focused with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Commercial Acumen: Ability to identify revenue growth opportunities and improve account profitability.
• Independence: Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Working Conditions:

• Frequent field visits to hypermarkets, supermarkets, pharmacies, and fuel station convenience stores across Kumasi and surrounding markets.
• Regular travel within the assigned territory (Ashanti Region and neighbouring markets).
• Occasional travel to Head Office (Tema) or other regions for meetings, training, business reviews, and company activities.
• Valid Driver’s Licence is required, with a willingness to travel extensively.