- **Job Title:** Trade Marketing Representative (Billings, MT)
- **Company:** JT International S.A.
- **Location:** Billings, MT, United States
- **Job Type:** On-site, Full-time
- **Category:** Sales & Marketing
- **Date Posted:** April 28, 2025
**🚀 Job Overview**
Key aspects of this role include:
1. **Sales & Merchandising:** Implement comprehensive sales and merchandising programs for retail accounts, driving sales growth.
2. **Territory Management:** Manage a designated geographic territory, achieving results within that area.
3. **Customized Sales Programs:** Tailor sales programs to meet the specific needs of each account.
4. **Travel Requirements:** Expect travel ranging from 25% to 75%, with an average of 1-3 nights per week.
5. **Collaboration:** Work closely with customers and head office to ensure optimal outcomes.
**ASSUMPTION:** This role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
**📋 Key Responsibilities**
- **Execution Planning:**
- Determine visit frequency based on customer prioritization.
- Contribute to decision-making regarding activities at outlets.
- Coordinate visit timing with customers.
- Plan calls based on sales data to ensure optimal outcomes.
- **Strategic Insights & Business Advice:**
- Leverage local knowledge to identify opportunities for inclusion in the Cycle Plan.
- Analyze JTI Liggett activity and program performance to inform future planning.
- Monitor competitor and retailer activity within the respective territory and outlets.
- Present JTI Liggett sales data provided by the Head Office.
- Educate and guide outlets on effective tobacco category management.
- Strategically utilize business insights to strengthen sales arguments.
- **Negotiation & Selling Process (Double Win):**
- Negotiate short-term sell-out volume agreements to boost JTI Liggett sales.
- Ensure product placement aligns with agreed planograms and checks compliance with contractual standards.
- Apply an advanced selling process, aligning JTI Liggett product benefits with customer needs.
- Proactively anticipate and address objections, securing commitment by highlighting the overall benefits of the JTI proposal.
- Ensure correct selling price points and required JTI Liggett SKUs are listed.
- **Logistics:**
- Merchandise stock and, when needed, educate store staff on the importance of product availability.
- Place or manage top-up orders on behalf of the retailer.
- **Performance:**
- Evaluate individual performance against set objectives and identify opportunities for future improvement.
- Record results relative to objectives in Synergy or a similar system.
- **Other:**
- Manage various tasks and projects as they arise, or as requested by the manager.
**ASSUMPTION:** This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
**🎯 Required Qualifications**
- **Education:** High School Diploma required; additional education preferred.
- **Experience:** Minimum of 3 years of experience in FMCG sales.
- **Required Skills:**
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Solid commercial understanding.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong selling skills, with a focus on the Double Win approach.
- Knowledge of Synergy (reporting & data).
- Strong analytical skills.
- **Preferred Skills:**
- Experience with tobacco industry or similar products.
- Familiarity with the local market and customer base.
- **Physical Requirements:**
- Must be willing and able to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Climb step ladders (up to 10 feet in height).
- Drive stakes (or signage) into the ground surface.
**ASSUMPTION:** Candidates should have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and possess excellent time management skills.
**💰 Compensation & Benefits**
- **Salary Range:** $45,000 - $65,000 per year (based on industry standards for this role, experience level, and location)
- **Benefits:**
- Annual Performance-based Bonus
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Personal Development Programs
- Medical, Dental & Vision Plan for employees & family members
- Life Insurance
- Matching 401(K)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Family Leave (20 weeks)
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Education/Tuition Assistance
- Volunteering Activities
- Employee Assistance Program (counseling services for employees & family members)
**ASSUMPTION:** Salary range is estimated based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
**📌 Applicant Insights**
**🔍 Company Context**
- **Industry:** Tobacco Manufacturing
- **Company Size:** 10,001+ employees
- **Founded:** 1907 (as Japan Tobacco Inc.)
- **Company Description:** JTI, Japan Tobacco International, believes in freedom and offers a wide range of tobacco products. With a presence in 130 countries, JTI is committed to creating fulfilling moments and a better future for its consumers and employees.
- **Company Specialties:** Supply Chain, Marketing, Corporate Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Agricultural Operations, Research & Development, Consumer Electronics, Human Resources, Careers, International Mobility, Training, Finance, Graduates, and Interns.
**📊 Role Analysis**
- **Career Level:** Mid-career level, with opportunities for growth and development.
- **Reporting Structure:** This role reports directly to the Sales Manager and works closely with customers and the head office.
- **Work Arrangement:** On-site, with travel requirements ranging from 25% to 75%, depending on the territory size.
- **Growth Opportunities:** Potential career paths include moving into management, specializing in a specific product line, or transitioning into a corporate role.
**ASSUMPTION:** This role offers a clear career path and opportunities for professional growth and development.
**🌍 Location & Work Environment**
- **Office Type:** Field-based, with occasional travel to the head office or other JTI locations.
- **Office Location:** Billings, MT, United States
- **Geographic Context:** Billings is the largest city in Montana, with a population of approximately 100,000. It offers a mix of urban and outdoor recreational opportunities.
- **Work Schedule:** Full-time, with a flexible schedule to accommodate travel requirements.
**ASSUMPTION:** The work environment is dynamic, with a mix of fieldwork and office-based tasks. Candidates should be comfortable with frequent travel and working independently.
**💼 Interview & Application Insights**
- **Typical Process:** Phone screening with a Talent Advisor, assessment tests, interviews, and an offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.
- **Key Assessment Areas:** Problem-solving skills, sales acumen, communication skills, and cultural fit.
- **Application Tips:**
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and sales experience.
- Research JTI's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit with the organization.
**🛠️ Tools & Technologies**
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Synergy (reporting & data)
- Salesforce (CRM) or similar platforms
- Google Maps or other navigation tools
**👔 Cultural Fit Considerations**
- **Company Values:** Integrity, trust, empowerment, and freedom.
- **Work Style:** Collaborative, results-driven, and focused on the "Double Win" approach.
- **Self-Assessment Questions:**
- How do you align with JTI's values, specifically "freedom" and "empowerment"?
- Describe a situation where you had to balance the needs of a customer and your company. How did you approach this, and what was the outcome?
- How do you ensure that you are maintaining a healthy work-life balance while traveling frequently for work?
**🚨 Potential Challenges**
- **Travel Requirements:** The role requires frequent travel, which can be physically demanding and time-consuming.
- **Sales Targets:** Candidates must be comfortable working under pressure to meet sales targets and KPIs.
- **Market Conditions:** The tobacco industry is subject to regulatory changes and market fluctuations, which can impact sales strategies and performance.
**📈 Similar Roles Comparison**
- **Trade Marketing Representative vs. Sales Representative:** Trade Marketing Representatives focus more on strategic planning, market analysis, and customer relationship management, while Sales Representatives focus on day-to-day sales activities and customer interactions.
- **Industry-specific Context:** The tobacco industry is highly regulated and competitive, with a focus on responsible marketing and consumer education.
- **Career Path Comparison:** Both roles offer opportunities for career growth, with potential paths including management, specializing in a specific product line, or transitioning into a corporate role.
**📝 Sample Projects**
- Developing a targeted sales strategy for a specific retailer or product line.
- Conducting a market analysis to identify trends and opportunities in the local market.
- Implementing a promotional campaign to drive sales and increase brand awareness.
**💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview**
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees with frequent travel requirements?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
- How does the company approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace?
- What are the most challenging aspects of the role, and how can I best prepare for them?
**📌 Next Steps for Applicants**
- To apply for this position, submit your application through [this link](https://jobs.jti.com/job/Modesto-Trade-Marketing-Representative-%28Billings%2C-MT%29-1-CA-00000/1197454801/).
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills, focusing on your problem-solving skills, sales experience, and cultural fit.
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
- If selected, anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with a Talent Advisor, assessment tests, interviews, and an offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.
- Follow up with the hiring manager, Luis da Silva (luis.bexigadasilva@jti.com), if you have any questions or need further clarification about the role or application process.
**⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.**
