Introduction

Diplomat South Africa is recruiting for the role of Modern Trade Sales Representatives – SPAR to be based in Gauteng (Pretoria). The position will report to the Modern Trade Fields Sales Manager.

Duties & Responsibilities

This is an opportunity for a commercially astute and results-oriented sales professional with a comprehensive understanding of the SPAR retail environment and a proven ability to drive growth within it.

We are looking for an individual who goes beyond account maintenance and focuses on sustainable account development. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong commercial acumen, confidence in managing complex retail environments, the ability to identify new business opportunities, and a consistent record of converting strategy into in store success.

This position requires extensive experience within modern trade, particularly with SPAR. If your expertise includes driving sales volume, building productive store level relationships, and ensuring high standards of retail execution, this could be the next step in your professional career.

When applying, please include:

• Details of your sales targets and how you exceeded them
• Incentives or awards achieved because of high performance
• Evidence of your contribution to business growth and category performance

Key Responsibilities:

• Take full ownership of sales performance across allocated customer base.
• Influence and sell approved commercial solutions to targeted customers, including new product innovation and Power SKUs.
• Execute the agreed sales plan for assigned customers to achieve monthly sales, distribution, and display objectives.
• Take accountability of sales & order management process in line with the merchandising and retail sales guidelines.
• Ensure on-shelf availability of all Power SKUs and adherence to planograms and shelf space requirements.
• Identify opportunities for improved shelf visibility by negotiating increased forward share.
• Negotiate off-shelf and secondary placements to maximize visibility and accelerate sales out.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels on shelves and displays to prevent stock shortages, particularly during promotional periods.
• Educate agency merchandisers on new products, category initiatives and merchandising principles.
• Manage SKU phase-outs and soft code changes.
• Work collaboratively with planners, trade marketing, KAMs and merchandising teams to ensure sales objectives are met and issues are escalated proactively.
• Execute promotions, planograms, and new product listings in accordance with head office agreements and deployment requirements.
• Ensure accurate proof of performance is attained in line with compliance guidelines via Smart Sell and other applications.
• Conduct weekly, pricing and shelf surveys in line with the requirements.
• Facilitate, process and reconcile franchise store-level payments in line with the policies and controls.
• Participate in weekly and monthly meetings to review progress and performance.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships, ensuring high service standards.
• Maintain pricing in line with company strategy and ensure accurate shelf PI labelling.
• Manage and ensure the implementation of POSM within 14 days of deployment in all allocated stores.
• Manage returns, aging stock and damages efficiently and in line with company procedures.
• Provide ongoing market intelligence and competitor insights to management.
• Ensure responsible and efficient use of company resources.
• Analyze store performance data and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Three to five years of experience as a modern trade sales representative servicing SPAR.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications (Outlook, Excel, Word and Powerpoint)
• Demonstrated ability to deliver against sales and growth objectives.
• Strong understanding of field execution and category management within retail environments.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship building skills.
• Proven track record of effective territory or account management.
• A self-motivated and organized individual with a focus on results and service excellence.
• A reliable personal vehicle and a valid driver's license.