Trade Marketing Representative - Sioux City, IA

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Trade Marketing Representative

🔹 Company: JTI (Japan Tobacco International)

🔹 Location: Sioux City, IA, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Sales

🔹 Date Posted: May 23, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Intermediate (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site, with travel (25% to 75%)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Implementing comprehensive sales and merchandising programs for retail accounts
• Driving sales growth through customized sales programs
• Managing a designated geographic territory and achieving sales results
• Collaborating with customers and head office to maximize impact
• Analyzing sales data and competitor activity to inform future planning

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and self-motivation, as the representative will be managing their territory independently.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Execution Planning: Determine visit frequency, coordinate visit timing, and plan calls based on sales data to ensure optimal outcomes.

✅ Strategic Insights & Business Advice: Leverage local knowledge to identify opportunities, analyze program performance, monitor competitor activity, and educate outlets on effective tobacco category management.

✅ Negotiation & Selling Process (Double Win): Negotiate short-term sell-out volume agreements, ensure product placement compliance, apply an advanced selling process, and address objections proactively.

✅ Logistics: Merchandise stock, place or manage top-up orders, and educate store staff on the importance of product availability.

✅ Performance: Evaluate individual performance against set objectives, identify improvement opportunities, and record results in Synergy or a similar system.

✅ Other: Manage various tasks and projects as they arise or as requested by the manager.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of travel, with an average of 1-3 nights per week away from home.

🎯 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:

• Bilingual or multilingual skills
• Experience with tobacco industry-specific software or tools

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the tobacco industry or relevant transferable skills may be given preference.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 per year (based on experience 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 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate travel and customer needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the United States. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and company policy.

📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context

Industry: Tobacco Manufacturing. JTI is a global leader in the tobacco industry, with a presence in over 130 countries.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large corporation, JTI offers extensive resources and opportunities for professional growth.

Founded: 1907. JTI has a rich history and a strong global presence, providing stability and opportunities for long-term career development.

Company Description:

• JTI is committed to creating fulfilling moments and a better future for its consumers, employees, and communities
• The company values integrity, trust, empowerment, and freedom, fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, results, and collaboration
• JTI is recognized as a Top Employer and has been awarded the Global Equality Standards certificate

Company Specialties:

• Supply Chain
• Marketing
• Corporate Affairs
• Regulatory Affairs
• Agricultural Operations
• Research & Development
• Human Resources
• Careers and Internships

Company Website: jti.com

ASSUMPTION: JTI's global presence and extensive resources provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Intermediate. This role offers opportunities for career progression within JTI's marketing and sales departments.

Reporting Structure: The Trade Marketing Representative reports directly to the Division Manager and works closely with retail account customers and head office teams.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with travel. This role requires frequent travel, with an average of 1-3 nights per week away from home.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to senior marketing or sales roles within JTI
• Expansion into international markets or different product categories
• Development of leadership and management skills through mentorship and training programs

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have a strong desire to learn, adapt, and grow within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: JTI's Sioux City office is a modern, professional environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Sioux City, IA, United States

Geographic Context:

• Sioux City is located in northwest Iowa, along the Missouri River
• The city offers a low cost of living, a diverse economy, and a strong sense of community
• Sioux City is within close proximity to major metropolitan areas, providing easy access to urban amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate travel and customer needs

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at JTI's Sioux City office is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone screening with Talent Advisor
• Assessment tests
• Interviews
• Offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales and negotiation skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Customer service and relationship-building skills
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, travel-intensive role

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in FMCG sales and any transferable skills from other industries
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for the role and the company's values
• Prepare examples of your sales achievements and challenges overcome in previous roles

ATS Keywords: FMCG sales, tobacco industry, retail accounts, sales growth, merchandising, negotiation, Double Win approach, Synergy, data analysis, customer relationship management

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at JTI is designed to assess candidates' skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Synergy (reporting & data)
• Salesforce (CRM)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools, such as Synergy and Salesforce, is preferred but not required.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Trust
• Empowerment
• Freedom

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and resilient
• Results-driven and accountable
• Customer-focused and service-oriented

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How have you demonstrated integrity and trust in previous roles?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change or challenge in a fast-paced environment?
• How do you balance the needs of your customers with the needs of your company to achieve a Double Win outcome?

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will align with JTI's company values and work style, demonstrating a strong cultural fit with the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Frequent travel, with an average of 1-3 nights per week away from home
• Managing a large geographic territory and achieving sales results independently
• Navigating a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Adapting to changes in the tobacco industry and retail landscape

ASSUMPTION: The Trade Marketing Representative role presents unique challenges that require a high level of adaptability, resilience, and self-motivation.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Trade Marketing Representative vs. Field Sales Representative: Both roles involve managing retail accounts and driving sales growth, but the Trade Marketing Representative role focuses more on strategic planning and execution, while the Field Sales Representative role may involve more day-to-day account management and customer interactions.
• Industry-specific context: The tobacco industry is highly regulated and competitive, requiring a strong understanding of the regulatory landscape and a commitment to ethical and responsible sales practices.
• Career path comparison: Both roles offer opportunities for career progression within JTI's marketing and sales departments, with potential for expansion into international markets or different product categories.

ASSUMPTION: The Trade Marketing Representative role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, execution, and customer interaction, providing a strong foundation for a career in marketing or sales.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive sales and merchandising program for a major retail account, resulting in a 20% increase in sales within the first six months
• Conducting a market analysis of a new product launch, identifying key opportunities and challenges, and developing a targeted marketing strategy to drive adoption
• Managing a team of field sales representatives, providing coaching and mentorship to improve performance and drive career growth

ASSUMPTION: The Trade Marketing Representative role offers a wide range of projects and challenges, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workweek for a Trade Marketing Representative, and how the role balances travel and office-based work?
• How does JTI support the professional development and growth of its Trade Marketing Representatives?
• Can you provide an example of a successful sales strategy implemented by a Trade Marketing Representative, and the results achieved?
• How does JTI measure the performance of its Trade Marketing Representatives, and what are the key metrics used to evaluate success?
• What are the most challenging aspects of the Trade Marketing Representative role, and how does JTI support its representatives in overcoming these challenges?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to success at JTI.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, emphasizing your fit for the role and the company's values
• Prepare examples of your sales achievements and challenges overcome in previous roles, ready to discuss during the interview process
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application, expressing your interest in the role and any questions you may have

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