Trade Development Representative (Richards Bay) at Philip Morris International

As a Trade Development Representative (TDR) based in Richards Bay, you’ll lead a territory and drive commercial success across physical, hybrid, and digital channels. Your impact will be felt through:

Trade & Territory Management

• Balance your customer universe (30% in-person, 50% hybrid, 20% remote) to maximize coverage and performance.
• Use digital engagement tools and back-office support to keep momentum across your portfolio.
• Build trusted relationships with store owners, managers, and frontline staff, ensuring brand visibility and category education.

Brand & Sales Growth

• Implement cycle plans, stage brands effectively, and negotiate opportunities that accelerate growth.
• Deliver brand activations and retail events that spark consumer awareness and trial.
• Forecast and analyze territory data to identify gaps and opportunities, then act quickly to close them.

Digital & Omni-Channel Expansion

• Support the transition of stores into the Digital Base, ensuring retailers are equipped and engaged.
• Conduct both physical and virtual visits to digital outlets, ensuring growth in distribution and sales targets.
• Partner with digital engagement teams to drive adoption and improve retailer performance.

Partnerships & Leadership

• Be responsible for third-party field managers and ensure flawless execution of cycle requirements.
• Provide feedback and insights to management on competitor activity and market trends.
• Uphold compliance and integrity standards across all trade activities.

Who We’re Looking For

• Completed Matric
• Bachelor’s Degree/ Relevant Tertiary Qualification /Equivalent Work Experience
• A driver’s license that is valid for more than 12 months is require
• Extensive knowledge of the Richards Bay and immediate surrounding areas and it’s surrounding towns is essential. Prior experience working within this area is a requirement. 
• Minimum 3 years of sales experience within the FMCG / Pharma sector is key
• Confirmed experience in working independently
• Minimum 2 years validated experience as leader/manager of a process and/or people
• Experience using digital tools (POS, sales mobile application)
• Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong English Language proficiency

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to multi-task and deliver on multiple key topics
• Resolving conflicts/Problem-solving skills
• Strong level of Numeracy and analytical ability and financial literacy

Competencies

• Logic and Problem Solving
• Critical thinking
• Sales and Commercial Knowledge
• Sales Territory Management
• Business Sense
• Ability to sell ideas/ influence/ negotiate
• Building trust and accountability with diverse partners
• Planning and delivering results
• Learning orientation
• Decision Making under Pressure and taking ownership of decisions
• Ability to mentor and develop others