π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Trade Marketing Representative
πΉ Company: JT International S.A.
πΉ Location: San Diego, California, United States
πΉ Job Type: On-site
πΉ Category: Tobacco Manufacturing
πΉ Date Posted: June 17, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 2-5 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Implementing sales and merchandising programs for retail accounts
- Managing a designated geographic territory
- Customizing sales programs to meet specific account needs
- Traveling 25% to 75% depending on territory size
- Collaborating with customers and head office to drive sales growth
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and self-motivation, as well as strong communication and negotiation skills.
π Key Responsibilities
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Execution Planning: Determine visit frequency, coordinate visit timing, plan calls based on sales data, and contribute to decision-making regarding activities at outlets.
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Strategic Insights & Business Advice: Leverage local knowledge to identify opportunities, analyze activity and program performance, monitor competitors and retailers, present sales data, educate outlets on category management, and strategically utilize business insights.
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Negotiation & Selling Process (Double Win): Negotiate short-term sell-out volume agreements, ensure product placement compliance, apply advanced selling process, anticipate and address objections, and ensure correct selling price points and SKU listings.
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Logistics: Merchandise stock, place or manage top-up orders, and educate store staff on product availability.
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Performance: Evaluate individual performance against set objectives, identify improvement opportunities, and record results in the relevant system.
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Other: Manage various tasks and projects as they arise or are requested by the manager.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively.
π― 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
- Fluency in Spanish
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the tobacco industry and/or fluency in Spanish may have an advantage in this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Trade Marketing Representative with 3-5 years of experience in the San Diego area)
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)
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for the San Diego area and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Tobacco Manufacturing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1907 (as Japan Tobacco Inc.)
Company Description:
- JTI is a global tobacco and vaping product company with a presence in over 130 countries
- The company values freedom, innovation, and consumer choice
- JTI has been recognized as a Global Top Employer for 10 consecutive years
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: http://jti.com
ASSUMPTION: JTI's large size and global presence offer extensive career growth opportunities and a diverse work environment.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (3-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Sales Manager or similar role
Work Arrangement: On-site with frequent travel (25% to 75% depending on territory size)
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior roles within the sales or marketing departments
- Expansion into other regions or countries
- Transition to corporate roles at JTI headquarters
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for candidates looking to advance their careers in sales or marketing.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site (San Diego, CA)
Office Location(s): 8, rue Kazem Radjavi, Geneva, 1202, CH (headquarters); San Diego, CA (role-specific office)
Geographic Context:
- San Diego, CA is located in Southern California, near the Mexican border
- The city has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers
- San Diego is known for its beaches, parks, and cultural attractions
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with frequent travel (25% to 75% depending on territory size)
ASSUMPTION: The frequent travel requirement may impact work-life balance for some candidates.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final round interview with senior leadership
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales and negotiation skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and adaptability
- Industry knowledge (tobacco manufacturing)
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focusing on sales, negotiation, and problem-solving scenarios
- Research JTI's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the tobacco industry and JTI's products
ATS Keywords: Trade Marketing, Sales, Merchandising, Retail Accounts, Tobacco Industry, Negotiation, Strategic Planning, Performance Evaluation, Data Analysis, Product Placement, Market Analysis, Customer Needs Assessment, FMCG, Double Win, Synergy, Tobacco Category Management
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should emphasize their sales and negotiation skills, as well as their ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Synergy (reporting & data)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Synergy is required for this role. Familiarity with CRM software and project management tools is also beneficial.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Freedom
- Integrity
- Trust
- Empowerment
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and accountable
- Adaptable and resilient
- Strategic and analytical
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with JTI's values of freedom, integrity, trust, and empowerment?
- How do you handle frequent travel and the need to work independently?
- How do you approach strategic planning and data analysis in a sales role?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with JTI's values and work style, as well as a willingness to travel frequently, will be most successful in this role.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Frequent travel may impact work-life balance
- Dealing with retailer resistance or pushback during negotiations
- Managing a large territory with diverse customer needs
- Keeping up with industry trends and regulations in the tobacco manufacturing sector
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss how they would overcome these challenges and maintain a strong work-life balance.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on the tobacco industry and the need for frequent travel
- Industry-specific context: The tobacco industry is highly regulated and competitive, requiring strong negotiation and strategic planning skills
- Career path comparison: This role offers growth opportunities in sales, marketing, or corporate functions within JTI
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research the tobacco industry and JTI's competitors to demonstrate their understanding of the market landscape.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a successful trade marketing campaign for a new product launch
- Analyzing market data to identify trends and opportunities for a specific territory
- Negotiating a complex sell-out volume agreement with a major retailer
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should provide specific examples of their past projects and achievements in sales, marketing, or a related field.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of managing a large territory with diverse customer needs?
- 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 sales or marketing departments?
- How does the company approach strategic planning and data analysis to drive sales growth?
- What is the company's approach to innovation and new product development in the tobacco industry?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the JTI careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focusing on sales, negotiation, and problem-solving scenarios
- Research JTI's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the tobacco industry and JTI's products
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.