Regional on Trade and Events Specialist - Bloemfontein at The Heineken Company

KEY RESULT AREAS

Develop Regional On-Trade Channel plan to deliver on HEINEKEN Beverages regional and channel aspirations:

• Develop the commercial regional channel plan to deliver on channel aspirations including assets, cold space andinfluencer strategy
• Develop regional detailed initiatives to deliver on regional trade channel targets & opportunities, including assets,cold space, regional key account campaigns, Influencer and nodal strategy, Regional brand activations, salespromotions and generic merch plans
• Implement and drive the in-trade execution guidelines for the channel including PICOS, and merchandising andcategory management principles
• Develop channel specific shopper and promotional insights to improve effectiveness of regional channel programs
• Develop regional insights across territories, channels, accounts, events and consumers, informing and elevating theplans, targeting and mechanics
• Develop procurement catalogues for merchandising items the region regularly uses to speed up delivery and drivedown cost
• Approve and sign off all campaign briefs targeted to specific channel to meet channel and shopper objectives
• Coach and build on trade capability in regional Sales teams
• Assist in joint business planning with select regional accounts

Drive the execution of the channel plan in line with channel guardrails and execution standards:

• Develop or evaluate campaign briefs targeted to specific channel and develop business cases for channel specificcampaigns
• Direct and support Sales managers and Sales Teams to deliver campaigns OTIF
• Review and monitor channel performance and course correct where required (including regular trade visits andselected regional account reviews
• Manage the A&P budget in line with channel objectives
• Develop all regional campaigns and initiatives including business cases, briefs, brand & channel sign off.
• SAP CRM (or equivalent) system set up, budget management, store list development
• Create execution briefs for sales and 3rd party execution and tracking agencies, and drive execution of regionalcampaigns in line with brand and channel execution standards
• Accountable for procurement, financial processing, score carding, store list management and SAP (or equivalent)system.
• Review and monitor regional performance, regional    campaign compliance, regional campaign ROI, regionalassets, regional contracts and accounts and course correct where required
• Enhance on regional campaigns using detailed insight and learnings to enhance efficacy and ROI
• Manage the year end merchandising close off and regional A&P and DVC budget in line with regional objectives.Manage regional asset roll out and any associated budgets
• Create and test innovative campaign and merchandising solutions
• Explore on-line and digital channels and opportunities for commercial gain
• Create and test innovative campaign targeting strategies, campaign mechanic and generic merch solutions

Develops internal and external relationships and networks:

• Influence and ensure buy in of the channel plan with key internal stakeholders (National Channel Manager, SalesGM’s, Sales Managers and Sales Teams)
• Build networks and form strong relationships with critical accounts – including regular Trade Visits and Coaching
• Influence and ensure buy in of the regional channel initiatives with key internal stakeholders (brand and channelteams, regional account managers, TSM's)
• Conduct regular audits in terms of compliance / PICOS and contract adherence
• Champion channel execution standards and coach teams to execute the standards
• Continually strive for Self and Sales teams to operate at desired competence in line with role profiles as agreedthrough competence self-assessments

Events

• Deliver an events plan for brands that meets brand objectives.
• Plan, organize, and execute brand building experiences that drive brand awareness and loyalty amongst targetconsumer and drive a return on investment.
• Work closely with the marketing team to develop and execute event and promotional strategies that align withcompany goals and objectives.
• Research, identify and negotiate contracts & agreements with potential event locations, vendors, and partners.
• Manage event budgets and ensure that events are executed in a cost-effective manner.
• Coordinate event logistics, including staffing, equipment, and supplies.
• Ensure that all events and promotions comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of events and promotions and make recommendations for the improvement thereof.
• Manage Event evaluation and pre/post Event evaluation analysis.
• Social systems developed to ensure strong stakeholder collaboration.
• Develop and Champion social meeting and reporting routines driving collaboration and common understanding withthe sales teams.
• Communicate protocols and operating procedures to all stakeholders to ensure policy adherence (CorporateGovernance)
• Develop continuous Improvements/Best Operating Practices on Eventing.
• Formulate and communicate relevant and meaningful insights for the brand and channel teams.
• Continuously benchmark eventing practices against best in class and competitors.
• Follow HEINEKEN Beverages policies and procedures and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in Marketing or comparable is needed.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Broad experience of commercial (+5 years) working in marketing, sales, customer marketing, retail or planning functions
• Experience of consumer / shopper marketing is beneficial
• Relevant experience within the Alcoholic Beverage or broader FMCG industry with clear eventing and consumerdemand creation experience is preferable.
• Strong knowledge of the alcoholic beverages industry and the associated regulations.
• Proven track record of successfully planning and executing events and promotions.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute events and promotions.