Job Description

Willowton Group is seeking a dynamic and strategic Trade Marketing Specialist to enhance brand visibility, drive retail execution, and deliver promotional excellence across the coastal region. This role is ideal for a proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about consumer engagement, retail strategy, and market insights.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key ResponsibilitiesRetail Strategy Development

Develop and implement in-store marketing strategies tailored to diverse retail environments. Create channel-specific plans for supermarkets, wholesalers, and spaza shops. Align trade marketing initiatives with broader brand objectives.
Promotional Planning & Execution

Plan and execute trade promotions, customer activations, and giveaways. Manage the production and distribution of point-of-sale materials (e.g., posters, shelf talkers, wobblers). Track and analyze the effectiveness of promotional campaigns. Conduct surveys and gather feedback to inform data-driven campaigns.
Sales & Marketing Alignment

Work closely with sales teams to ensure seamless execution of marketing plans at store level. Provide training and toolkits to Promoters/Brand Ambassadors for launches and campaigns. Support sales initiatives with relevant marketing collateral and insights.
Retailer & Distributor Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with retailers, distributors, and merchandising teams. Conduct regular store visits to ensure compliance, gather insights (e.g., competitor pricing, packaging, promotions), and support merchandising efforts. Establish trade calendars with customers, including key activation dates and correct product visuals for broadsheet placements.
Market & Shopper Insights

Analyze shopper behavior, category trends, and competitor activity. Benchmark competitors across packaging, pricing (in collaboration with sales), quality, and promotional tactics. Use insights to optimize packaging, placement, and promotional strategies.
Performance Tracking

Monitor sell-in and sell-out data to assess trade marketing impact. Evaluate ROI of trade activities and report on KPIs such as product availability, visibility, and sales uplift. Maintain accurate records of sample stock, novelties, and POS materials.
Additional Expectations

Support new product innovations and launches with tailored trade marketing strategies. Collaborate with merchandisers to ensure correct product stocking and display. Lead and develop Brand Ambassadors, ensuring high performance and brand alignment. Work cross-functionally with Sales, Logistics, Admin, and Manufacturing to ensure operational excellence.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications & Experience

1-3 years' experience in trade marketing (FMCG experience advantageous), with exposure to both formal and informal retail environments. Tertiary qualification in Marketing or a related field (preferred). Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively across urban and rural areas in the coastal region. Strong analytical, communication, and time management skills. Creative mindset with a passion for innovation and consumer engagement.
Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person