HOD – Modern Trade & OOH Channel Lead (Strategic Brands)

HOD - Modern Trade & OOH Channel Lead (Strategic Brands) To lead the Strategic Brands function by setting the strategic direction, commercial priorities and execution standards required to deliver sustainable volume, revenue, profitability and brand growth. Responsible for developing and governing the Strategic Brands agenda, aligning brand, channel, customer and sales priorities, and ensuring that strategic brand plans are translated into effective customer and channel execution.

To build senior-level relationships with customers, suppliers, agencies and internal stakeholders, enabling commercial alignment, effective decision-making and the resolution of barriers impacting Strategic Brands performance. To lead and manage the Channel Manager and KAM function together with the Trade Marketing Lead in Strategic Brands roles and cross functional teams to ensure execution is delivered in line with policies, practices, procedures, trading standards and the broader sales strategy.

Cross Functional Collaboration:- Internal – VP of Sales, Channel Manager, KAM Strategic Brands, Demand Planning, Finance, IT, Trade Marketing, Sales Teams and Senior Business Stakeholders External – Senior Customer Stakeholders, Suppliers/Vendors, Agencies and Strategic Commercial Partners linked to Strategic Brands 1. Financial Perspective a) Lead the Strategic Brands sales agenda, ensuring delivery of volume, revenue, profitability, margin and budget targets across the portfolio.

b) Own the commercial process for Strategic Brands customers, including pricing, promotional investment, trading terms and customer plans. c) Set and govern Strategic Brands budgets, promotional spend and investment priorities, ensuring alignment to approved business plans and financial controls. d) Approve commercially viable trading terms and customer investment decisions that support brand, customer and channel growth objectives.

2. Customer Perspective. a) Own senior customer engagement for Strategic Brands, resolving escalated issues and ensuring customer plans support agreed commercial outcomes. b) Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders to unlock Strategic Brands growth opportunities. c) Lead pricing strategies and price changes for Strategic Brands products, ensuring commercial alignment and clear communication to sales teams.

d) Lead forecasting inputs for product launches, product changes, promotional cycles and price changes in partnership with Demand Planning and Sales. e) Oversee customer and store-level execution plans and ensure discount structures are aligned to approved Strategic Brands expectations. f) Ensure compliance with point of sale, price points and execution standards for Strategic Brands products across relevant channels.

g) Conduct joint partner meetings with customers, sub-distributors etc. to drive volumes and profitability by providing better range of products and appropriate SKUs. h) Develop and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the customer’s business. i) Ensure the effective management of the customer account and timeous problem solving 3. Internal Processes j) Review and approve relevant financial documents, claims, expenses and accommodation within approved budgets and delegated authority.

k) Ensure compliance to Diplomat commercial requirements prior to appointment l) Compile and update price lists and ensure upload on master data to enable the sales team to sell correctly. m) Identify and manage the emerging risks and challenges in the informal trading market. n) Review, validate and approve trading terms, promotional grids and customer head office strategies prepared by Channel Managers, KAMs, RMs or Sales representatives.

o) Ensure compliance of prices, deals, claims with the criteria set by the vendor/supplier p) Conduct reconciliation on accounts to establish any outstanding transactions. q) Support the finance team in debt collection and resolution of payment issues. r) Share