Trade Zone Limited is currently looking to hire experienced Technical Sales Advisor to be based in Lusaka.

Duty Station:  SARODI HARDWARE.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze and report on factors in the market that impact on sales, customer needs and confidence in the brand.
• Monitor and analyze competitor environment in allocated regions. This includes identifying new entrants, identifying pricing strategies of competitors, sample purchases for testing and advising clients on Features and Benefits of the product. With retail/formal and informal sectors as the main focus, it also includes visits to other sectors of the market to ensure the brand representation is increased.
• Implementation of new product introduction –in line with Management’s marketing plan.
• Build and solidify good relations with role players in the retail/formal and informal sector and end-users to ensure maximum channel protection and growth.
• Utilize all available resources (supplied by Sarodi Hardware and other external resources) to research market, product or new retail/formal and informal market channels and end-user opportunities.
• Meeting of targets as set by Management for key and new accounts (visit targets, new product introduction targets, training and demonstration targets and sales turn-over targets)
• Discussions and strategizing with Sarodi Hardware on marketing opportunities to maximize sales output
• Reporting on a weekly basis; or and whenever required to Line Manager On any subject related to area, customer, product development, sales development, competitor environment, etc. Formulate and distribute technical customer visits reports including product testing and evaluation reports
• Assist clients and end-users with technical enquiries and, product complaints
• On site testing and demonstrations are target-driven inputs. So will be investigations for identifying the need for new products in current or new markets.
• Assist and be involved with Exhibitions and / or Trade Shows and related marketing activities.
• Weekly reports of activities and customer visits.

Requirements and skills

• Grade 12 with five (5) “O” Levels
• Diploma or Degree in marketing or any related field
• 2 years and above working experience in a similar environment including a technical background.
• Previous sales and marketing experience on retail and consumer level. Experience in technical product of a consumable nature will be an advantage.
• Must be willing to travel away from home. Do on site Demos and shows.
• Ability to communicate and provide training on products and new concepts

Other Competencies

• Languages: English (verbal and written proficient) for both personal and business literacy. The ability to be fluent in the local vernacular of responsible area will be an advantage.
• Computer Skills: Must be fully computer literate (above average competency in MS Word, MS Outlook and MS Excel).
• Communication Skills: Must have the ability to communicate on managerial level –essential.
• Interpersonal Skills: Must be able to identify and deal with changes or complexity of customer requirements. Must have the disposition which treats the business of Sarodi Hardware if it were their own. Must be driven and self-disciplined. High level of cultural diversity adaptability and able to build relationships with customers at all levels. Firm, yet of service-oriented nature.
• Driver’s License: A Must