Trade Marketing Representative (Hickory, NC)

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Trade Marketing Representative (Hickory, NC) 🔹 Company: JTI Liggett 🔹 Location: Hickory, NC, United States 🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time 🔹 Category: Sales & Marketing 🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: 1. Sales & Merchandising: Implement comprehensive sales and merchandising programs for retail accounts to drive sales growth. 2. Territory Management: Manage a designated geographic territory and achieve results within that area. 3. Strategic Insights: Leverage local knowledge to identify opportunities and analyze JTI Liggett activity and program performance. 4. Negotiation & Selling: Negotiate short-term sell-out volume agreements and ensure product placement aligns with agreed planograms. 5. Logistics & Performance: Merchandise stock, manage top-up orders, evaluate individual performance, and record results. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of discretion, expertise, and judgment to customize sales programs to meet specific account needs. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Execution Planning: - Determine visit frequency based on JTI Liggett customer prioritization. - Contribute to decision-making regarding which activities should be implemented at the outlets. - Coordinate visit timing with customers to maximize impact. - 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 that required JTI Liggett SKUs are listed. ✅ Logistics: - Merchandise stock and 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. ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently to achieve results. 🎯 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: - Knowledge of the tobacco industry. - Proficiency in Spanish. ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in FMCG sales, particularly in the tobacco industry, will be preferred. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for the role 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. Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend work based on territory needs and retail outlet hours. ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal pay structure. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Tobacco Manufacturing. Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global). Founded: 1907, in Japan. Company Description: - JTI Liggett is a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco International (JTI), a global tobacco and vaping product manufacturer. - The company is committed to creating fulfilling moments and a better future for its consumers, employees, and communities. - JTI Liggett values integrity, trust, empowerment, and freedom, fostering an inclusive work environment where employees can grow and succeed. Company Specialties: - Supply Chain. - Marketing. - Corporate Affairs. - Regulatory Affairs. - Agricultural Operations. - Research & Development. - Human Resources. - Careers. - International Mobility. - Training. - Finance. - Graduates and Interns. Company Website: jti.com ASSUMPTION: JTI Liggett's global presence and extensive experience in the tobacco industry provide a stable and supportive work environment for its employees. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company. Reporting Structure: The Trade Marketing Representative reports directly to the Territory Manager or Regional Manager. Work Arrangement: This role requires travel ranging from 25% to 75%, depending on the size of the territory, with an average of 1-3 nights per week. Growth Opportunities: - Proven performers may be considered for promotions to higher-level sales or management roles. - Employees can also explore opportunities in other functions, such as marketing, finance, or human resources, through internal mobility programs. ASSUMPTION: JTI Liggett's commitment to employee development and internal mobility provides ample opportunities for career growth and progression. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: On-site, with a hybrid work arrangement available for eligible employees. Office Location(s): 8, rue Kazem Radjavi, Geneva, 1202, CH (Global Headquarters); Hickory, NC, United States (Territory Office). Geographic Context: - Hickory, NC, is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a mix of urban and rural environments. - The area has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. - Hickory is part of the Charlotte-Concord Combined Statistical Area, providing access to various cultural, entertainment, and employment opportunities. Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend work based on territory needs and retail outlet hours. ASSUMPTION: Hickory, NC, offers a pleasant work-life balance, with easy access to outdoor activities, cultural events, and a lower cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Phone screening with the Talent Advisor. 2. Assessment tests to evaluate skills and cultural fit. 3. Interviews with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders. 4. Offer, contingent upon successful background check and reference verification. Key Assessment Areas: 1. Sales skills and experience. 2. Problem-solving abilities. 3. Cultural fit with JTI Liggett's values and work environment. 4. Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, dynamic work setting. Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role. 2. Prepare for behavioral interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. 3. Research JTI Liggett's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit. ATS Keywords: FMCG Sales, Trade Marketing, Retail Account Management, Sales Growth, Merchandising, Territory Management, Strategic Insights, Negotiation, Selling, Logistics, Performance Evaluation. ASSUMPTION: JTI Liggett's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, cultural fit, and potential for success in the role. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). - Synergy (reporting & data). - Salesforce (CRM). - Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs). - Various industry-specific software and tools. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools, as well as willing to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions. - Trust: Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment built on mutual respect and open communication. - Empowerment: Encourage employees to take initiative, make decisions, and grow both personally and professionally. - Freedom: Promote an environment where employees feel free to choose, express their thoughts, and be themselves. Work Style: - JTI Liggett values a dynamic, fast-paced work environment where employees are encouraged to take initiative and be proactive. - The company fosters a culture of continuous learning, growth, and improvement. - Employees are expected to be adaptable, resilient, and able to work independently. Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you align with JTI Liggett's specific company value of integrity? 2. How comfortable are you working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a high degree of independence? 3. How do you approach continuous learning and personal growth in your career? ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with JTI Liggett's company values and work style will be more likely to succeed in the role and contribute to the company's overall success. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Travel Requirements: The role may require extensive travel, which can be physically demanding and time-consuming. 2. Work-Life Balance: The nature of the role may impact work-life balance, especially during peak sales periods or when managing larger territories. 3. Regulatory Environment: The tobacco industry is heavily regulated, requiring employees to stay up-to-date with changing laws and guidelines. 4. Competitive Market: The tobacco market is competitive, with multiple players vying for market share. Employees must be prepared to face competition and adapt to market fluctuations. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider these potential challenges and assess their ability to manage them effectively. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Trade Marketing Representative vs. Sales Representative: - Both roles focus on driving sales growth, but the Trade Marketing Representative has a broader scope, including merchandising, strategic insights, and negotiation. - The Sales Representative typically has a more narrow focus on selling products and managing customer relationships. 2. Industry-Specific Context: - The tobacco industry is unique, with specific regulations, distribution channels, and customer dynamics that differ from other FMCG sectors. - Candidates should have an understanding of the tobacco industry or be willing to learn about its unique aspects. 3. Career Path Comparison: - Both roles can lead to career growth and advancement within the company, with opportunities for promotions to higher-level sales or management roles. - However, the Trade Marketing Representative role may provide more diverse experience and exposure to different aspects of the business, potentially leading to broader career prospects. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider the differences between this role and similar positions, and assess their fit based on their skills, experiences, and career goals. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Territory Analysis and Optimization: Analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for territory optimization, improving sales performance, and reducing travel time. 2. Promotional Campaign Development: Collaborate with marketing to develop and implement promotional campaigns that drive sales growth and enhance brand awareness. 3. Retailer Training and Education: Create and deliver training programs for retail staff to improve product knowledge, merchandising skills, and overall store performance. ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and initiatives that Trade Marketing Representatives may undertake to drive sales growth and enhance customer relationships. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role Responsibilities: Can you provide more details about the day-to-day responsibilities and priorities for this role? 2. Team Structure: How is the sales team structured, and how does this role fit within the team? 3. Company Culture: How would you describe JTI Liggett's company culture, and how does this role contribute to that culture? 4. Growth Opportunities: What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within this role and the company as a whole? 5. Work Environment: How does the company support work-life balance, and what resources are available to help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities? ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's specific responsibilities, the company's culture, and the opportunities available for growth and development. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through this link: [Application Link] 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this specific role. 3. Prepare for behavioral interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. 4. Research JTI Liggett's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit. 5. Follow up with the hiring manager, Maja Lenczewska, after one week if you haven't received a response to your application. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.