Sales Executive

September 14, 2024

Lindt and Sprungli (South Africa)

FULL TIME

Background of the Company

Lindt & Sprüngli (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (Lindt SA) started operations in May 2011 and forms part of the Lindt & Sprüngli group of companies. With more than 150 employees, Lindt SA is based in Cape Town with strong regional presence in Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth and a network of 15 Lindt retail stores.

As global leader in the premium chocolate sector, Lindt & Sprüngli looks back on a long-standing tradition of almost 175 years which takes its origins in Zurich, Switzerland. Today, quality chocolate products by Lindt & Sprüngli are made at 12 owned production sites in Europe and the USA. The products are distributed by 28 subsidiary companies and branch offices, in around 500 Lindt shops and cafés, and also via a comprehensive network of more than 100 independent distributors around the globe.

Key Responsibilities

Achieve Monthly & yearly Sales budgets
Ensuring that expense budgets as set are not exceeded
Ensure that all expected call rate of 8 calls per day is maintained
Ensuring that all pre-call preparation are done and proper planning for each call
Planning includes weekly, cyclical and yearly planning
Weekly call cycle
Call plan to include a Rand value target for each customer (Previous shortfalls to be included in targets)

Promotional Review

On every call during the promotional period, progress must be discussed with the manager/owner of the store

Negotiated promotional elements must include

Increased shelf space
Moving to eye level if not already on eye level
Gondola end display or on Shelf display
Reduction in the Retail Selling price
Increase in stock holding
Sales out of the customer must be monitored
Reports to be handed to the RSM on Friday mornings
Monthly reports by area performance, reasons for success and failures
Action plans for underperforming stores
Make use of the tablet to collate and keep accurate data on calls completed and customers
Working closely with our Merchandising partners
Being responsible for the supervision, ongoing training of merchandisers in store
Being in contact with the RSM on a weekly basis
Reporting of non-compliance to L&S Regional Sales Manager

All calls to have the following activities planned

Placing of all orders
Stock counts are updated and correct
Listed items - customer compliance
Merchandising
Shelf health
Price Indicator labels current and correct
Shelf trays are clean and in good shape
Stock pressure
Stock rotation (no expired stock found, action taken with near dated stock)
Correct Layout
In store display maintained
Point of sale material management
Promotional material is available and meets Quality standards
Build relationship with Store Manager, Regional Manager and all relevant staff that has influence on orders and shelf space
Negotiating of free displays and increase shelf space

Skills and Competencies

Ideas and solutions driven
Confident, assertive self-starter with a drive for results and highly motivated
Entrepreneurial spirit with good communication and negotiation skills
Structured organizational skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Ability to work in collaboration with agencies and customers
Understanding of consumers, competitors and market dynamics
Strong presentation skills
Excellent interpersonal skills (written and verbal)
Extremely detail-oriented
Excellent planning and computer skills
Ability to work independently and within a team to communicate with team members and management on a daily basis
Ability to be a team player in a dynamic, fast-paced environment