Trade Marketing Manager

Our Client is a leading global consumer goods organization with a strong presence in the health and wellness space. Our operations in South Africa play a critical role in expanding across the African continent. With a strong focus on local market dynamics and consumer health, we are looking for an experienced and driven Trade Marketing Manager to lead strategic execution across South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion Islands, and the broader SADC region.

The Trade Marketing Manager will be responsible for developing and executing a trade marketing strategy that drives sales, enhances brand visibility, and ensures the company’s products are effectively positioned in the marketplace. The role involves leading marketing initiatives within trade channels and working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with overall regional goals.

This role requires strong market insights, an understanding of consumer behavior in diverse regions, and the capability to turn strategy into impactful execution.

• Develop and implement trade marketing plans for South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion Islands, and the broader SADC region.

• Collaborate with regional sales and marketing teams to localize and execute strategic initiatives.

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of trade marketing activities and provide insights for continuous improvement.

• Design and conduct training programs to enhance sales team capabilities in trade marketing, product knowledge, and consumer behavior.

• Ensure the sales teams have the tools, materials, and insights needed for effective field execution.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail partners and distributors to boost brand visibility and in-store execution.

• Develop channel-specific strategies to enhance product placement and consumer engagement across retail and digital platforms.

• Analyze sales data and market trends to refine channel approaches.

• Lead the development and execution of trade promotions and campaigns aimed at boosting sales.

• Coordinate with brand marketing to ensure consistent messaging and integration across all consumer touchpoints.

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and new opportunities.

• Utilize data insights to continuously adapt and improve trade marketing strategies.

• Work closely with brand, sales, and product teams to ensure trade marketing is aligned with broader business objectives.

• Partner with supply chain and distribution to optimize logistics for promotional activities and stock availability.

• Track key trade marketing KPIs such as sales impact, ROI, market share, and customer feedback.

• Prepare regular performance reports and provide actionable insights to senior leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.

• At least 5 years in trade marketing, sales, or brand management within FMCG or consumer goods.

• Regional market experience, ideally in Southern Africa, is essential.

• Proven success in executing trade marketing strategies with measurable outcomes.

• Strong strategic and analytical thinking.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Leadership capabilities with a hands-on approach to execution.

• Deep understanding of retail and distributor networks in Southern Africa.

• Ability to interpret market and sales data for informed decision-making.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); familiarity with CRM and trade marketing tools is an advantage.

• English proficiency is required.

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion Islands, and the SADC region.