Operational Sales Manager - Tobacco sector - FMCG

We are a leading player in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, specializing in the production, distribution, and marketing of high-quality tobacco products. With a strong portfolio of globally recognized brands, we focus on delivering excellence in product innovation, responsible business practices, and sustainable growth. Our company is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of adult consumers while adhering to strict regulations and maintaining our commitment to corporate social responsibility.

As an Operational Sales Manager, you will play a key role in building and developing relationships and negotiating commercial agreements with key structured retail clients (approximately 15 key accounts) contribute to the achievement of the company's commercial goals.

Your Main Responsibilities:

• Oversee and develop key account relationships: Manage a portfolio of key customers by building strong relationships, negotiating contracts, and regularly monitoring budgets and performance to meet volume and profitability goals.


• Lead tender processes: Coordinate all phases of the tender process, from pre-qualification to final bid submission, ensuring timely and accurate participation.


• Design and manage product display strategies: Create and implement planograms to effectively manage product placement and quantities on the sales floor.


• Ensure implementation of commercial agreements: Monitor and enforce compliance with framework agreements through regular field visits and reports. Work closely with the sales team to ensure promotional campaigns are properly executed and key accounts are nurtured for long-term loyalty.


• Coordinate cross-functional sales activities: Collaborate with other departments to analyze promotions, sales performance, and customer feedback. Actively gather field data and insights on customer needs, competitive landscape, and potential new products or promotions.


• Track and analyze market performance: Maintain a comprehensive overview of sales data for key accounts and wholesalers. Conduct regular analyses of sales turnover, product mix, and market share, and provide detailed reports to senior management.


• Drive long-term customer performance and market share: Focus on optimizing sales performance and increasing market share by implementing tailored customer strategies.


• Facilitate information flow: Act as the primary point of contact between customers and internal teams, ensuring smooth communication and addressing issues promptly.


• Maintain brand integrity: Serve as a company ambassador, protecting and enhancing the company's reputation in all customer interactions.


• People management in the future

• Ideally a university degree in business administration or equivalent by experience.


• Excellent sales, negotiation and business analysis skills, ideally in the FMCG or similar sectors with a minimum of 5 -7 years' experience in a similar role.


• Professional approach with an entrepreneurial mindset, solution oriented


• Analytical mindset and ability to translate them into concrete actions.


• Well-organised with the ability to manage time efficiently and cope with stress.


• Proven ability to negotiate and build long-term relationships with clients.


• Team player and customer-oriented


• Curious, proactive and flexible.


• Fluency in French, Dutch and English is required