Area Sales Manager

Who are we?

Zespri is more than simply the world's single-largest marketer of kiwifruit. We like to think of ourselves as fruit on a mission and as rebels with a cause: to help people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit. We are proudly the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. We work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which we supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers. We are one of New Zealand's best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.

What's the role?

We are currently seeking an Area Sales Manager to oversea the strategy execution and sales execution for a designated area/portfolio, with an expectation of increasing year-on-year sales revenue and customer satisfaction.

Based in Wuhan, the Area Sales Manager builds relationships with customers, such as wholesalers and retailers, to explain the sales potential of kiwifruit, to maximise their orders and support their sales/promotional strategies. This position also acts as a local point of contact to support the rollout of global sales initiatives (via the Sales Excellence team) and Project Horizon’s transformations projects.

Reporting to the Market Development Manager, the Area Sales Manager will oversee the Beijing / Hebei / Tianjin cluster as the regional blueprint to accelerate development. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Develop, execute and optimize sales activities for designated area/portfolio
• Relationship management through regular sales meetings, conference and events with the customers.
• Develop strategic and operational support plans with customers to increase sales.
• Manage the delivery of assigned sales activities within the agreed budget.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Operations teams to respond to the trade competitors, consumers and supply environment.
• Execute key account management program in conjunction with Trade Marketing.
• Lead market analysis by utilizing customer POS data to offer the most effective in-store promotion by different channel/store type.
• Execute with Global Sales of Excellence team based in Singapore to enable local plans and strategies to increase sales, and the transformation team (NZ) to streamline processes.
• Execute efficient fruit allocation for the market.
• Take corrective actions in case of daily business problems
• Do store checks in your region and/or of your retailers in order to get to know the assortments and the competition.
• Check all the kiwi products, and other given fruits and prices in region regularly. 

Who are you?

We are looking for a team player who has proven success managing customers and building relationships within the B2C space. You will also possess:

• 8+ years experience within well known FMCG operators with at least three of those at Area Sales Manager level
• A demonstrated ability to work cross functionally with business functions including Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance
• An analytical approach to sales with a strategic mindset 
• A logical approach to doing business effectively and efficiently 
• Strong team management skills and be able to work with your team toward common goals
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• An excellent understanding of the retail business in your region 
• Exceptional relationship building skills in order to build trust with your internal and external stakeholders based on a humble and respectful approach to business
• Fluency in English (both written and oral)
• Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint skills

Why Zespri?

Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 850+ employees in 23 different locations globally. Working at Zespri is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, culture-driven environment unlike any other. We want people who share our values of being personally connected, results-driven, and committed to guardianship. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.

• Competitive overall remuneration package, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunity
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits

Apply Now! Applications close 20 September 2024.

At Zespri, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and a fair hiring process is the first step to getting there. We want to attract a diverse range of people and encourage everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment and selection process by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com.