About the role

The role is responsible for commercial strategy and targets for the Gourmet business domain in the Japan market. This includes devising and executing the sales strategy, in alignment with regional/ global strategy and priorities, as well as leading a team of sales professionals towards delivering the sales volume and financial business objectives.  A strong focus on go-to-market strategy optimization and execution, including developing distributor networks, strategic partnerships and key account management is expected from this role. This role is charged with bringing a step change to our Gourmet business model. The role will be part of the market leadership team, and play an integral part in devising and driving the market’s commercial growth strategy.  

 

Key responsibilities include

Develop, own and execute the strategic plan for achieving the business targets for the Gourmet business including maximizing volumes, margins and profitability; Ensure that critical and strategic business drivers are known and understood within commercial and other relevant teams, to maximize sales potential in the area of responsibility Develop and expand  customers and market segments Create a differentiated e-commerce rollout and drive value in our high-margin business Nurture and maintain new and existing customer relationships as well as relationships with partners Identify new business opportunities and serve as a ‘frontline’ representative with potential customers to develop business Manage the planning of resources (budget, forecast, manpower, etc.), oversee budgetary controls and manage expenses Manage, coach and guide team members to enable their commercial performance, including through managing targets and sales processes, building capabilities, performance management, sales meetings, regular commercial reviews, etc Collect, analyze and assess market intelligence to devise relevant strategic and operational plans and maximize business opportunities; including e-commerce, ensure relevant trends and information are communicated to appropriate functions/ internal stakeholders Provide ongoing analysis of sales performance metrics against budgeted objectives such as market share, margin, revenue growth, and profitability; measure and assess the effectiveness of overall commercial activities and update business plans accordingly Build and develop strong relationships with global/regional/local internal stakeholders to have a clear understanding of critical priorities and objectives and establish action plans that translate into business opportunities Be a part of the Market Leadership team and will be responsible for all company-wide agendas

 

About you

Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business Commercial subject or Food technologist or equivalent (Master's degree preferred) 12 to 15+ years of relevant experience in a commercial B2B environment, preferably in a multinational company in the food industry or FMCG; knowledge and experience of the chocolate industry is a plus Demonstrated track record in strategically developing new customers, new products and new market segments while maximizing volumes, sales margins and customer profitability, and managing end-to-end processes. Fluent in Business English; Native language is an added advantage IT Skills in the MS Office and Google Suite Strong business acumen with solid commercial experience and credentials Desire to build something to make a difference. Drive for results and ambition to win in the market Natural change agent. A vibrant, performance-driven individual who possesses the fortitude to lead a transformation Strong negotiation and communication skills, engaging a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders across organizational boundaries Contribute to an atmosphere in which people work together, enthusiastically and effectively, to produce outstanding results. Raise the performance levels of others Resilient and confident individual who operates well under pressure and in global environments undergoing change. Understand how to pivot quickly when necessary Proactive and entrepreneurial mindset; self-starter who takes ownership and accountability Agile, flexible and comfortable with ambiguity; Ability to thrive under pressure and ability to adapt to market needs and changes Strong cross-functional collaboration to achieve results Excellent communication and negotiation skills Hands-on style; willing to roll up sleeves Inspiring and effective people management Good interpersonal skills and teamwork: work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness. Strong organization & planning skills Strong ethics: understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure own behavior and the behavior of others are consistent with these standards and align with the values of the organization. Focus on client needs: anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations. Strong in navigating complex matrix organizations, both internally and externally