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Trade Marketing Representative (San Diego, CA)

JT International S.A.
Full-time
On-site
San Diego, California, United States
πŸͺ Trade Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Trade Marketing Representative

πŸ”Ή Company: JT International S.A.

πŸ”Ή Location: San Diego, California, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: On-site

πŸ”Ή Category: Tobacco Manufacturing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: June 17, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 2-5 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ 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.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Execution Planning: Determine visit frequency, coordinate visit timing, plan calls based on sales data, and contribute to decision-making regarding activities at outlets.

βœ… 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.

βœ… 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.

βœ… Logistics: Merchandise stock, place or manage top-up orders, and educate store staff on product availability.

βœ… Performance: Evaluate individual performance against set objectives, identify improvement opportunities, and record results in the relevant system.

βœ… 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.

🎯 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.

πŸ’° 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.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” 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.

πŸ“Š 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.

🌍 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.

πŸ’Ό 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.

πŸ› 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.

πŸ‘” 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.

⚠️ 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.

πŸ“ˆ 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.

πŸ“ 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.

❓ 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.

πŸ“Œ 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

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.