Job Description

About Our Client

Our client is a family-run Japanese company with more than 200 years of history. It has two divisions: Food for human consumption and pet food. In Japan, they have established themselves as a leader in the pet food industry, thus also becoming a leader in sales. They are characterized by the extensive catalogue of products that includes their iconic product, which has revolutionized the industry and is the world’s number 1 Cat Treat brand. Thanks to the growth that they have had in recent years, they have become the No.1 brand of pet food in Japan and are also expanding internationally to make pets and their owners around the world happy.

About the Role

In this position, you will assume complete responsibility for the UK Pet Independent channel for the company's UK operation. You will have full autonomy to grow this channel from a challenger brand to a household name. You will manage their selected wholesale distributor and grow our brand’s market share and market penetration.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Achieve monthly, quarterly and annual targets for sales and recommendation of the Ciao and Inaba brands through the effective management of existing accounts and the acquisition of new business.
• To achieve new Pet Independent conversion numbers in line with targets and target Pet Independent stores and small chains, using well developed sales and negotiation skills to win new business.
• To achieve KPIs for Strategic Plan focus areas, including NPD and in store initiatives
• Effective management of customer through optimised contact and visit strategy ranging from routine visits, quarterly reviews, staff training, category relays, advocacy days.
• To acquire and maintain a high level of technical product knowledge to facilitate conversations will all levels of store staff.
• To deliver training tailored to store requirements when needed, to achieve sales and recommendation objectives.
• Thorough understanding of customers strategy and competitor activity and create awareness internally through networking to ensure an appropriate feed into the channel business planning process.
• Develop and implement a jointly agreed Customer Business Plans to achieve targets in line with Channel strategy, delivering excellent execution of Key Sales Fundamentals.
  

Skills Required

• They are looking for candidates who are passionate about Pets and Pet Independent Businesses. You will have already demonstrated successful performance within sales and will be passionate about building high value customer relationships, be able to demonstrate strong commercial acumen and have a strong and determined focus on delivering results.
• You will be self-driven and able to demonstrate your experience of delivering new business wins vs. stretching targets. Your ability to adapt your communication style to a broad range of decision makers, be resilient in the face of challenging situations and be able to influence both internally and externally will be key.
• A proactive nature with commercial awareness and excellent numeracy skills
• Business development experience essential
• Pet Independent channel experience is beneficial
• Knowledge of pet industry beneficial
• Highly proficient in Excel and comfortable using other Microsoft Office programs - IT literate Makes good use of insightful information and is naturally analytical
• Organised and adept at planning and prioritising workloads
• Ability to travel within designated geographical territory