Job Description: Trade Marketing Specialist

Position                     : Trade Marketing Specialist

Department               : Marketing – Sol de Janeiro

Location                    : Cape Town

Reporting to             : Marketing Manager

Purpose of the Role

To turn all our brand and operational dreams into reality in the retail space within brand guidelines - this role will be instrumental in executing trade marketing strategies that increase brand presence, drive consumer engagement, and maximize sales performance and market share across our retail landscape in South Africa.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Performance

• Strategy & Planning: Develop (together with the Marketing Manager) and implement trade marketing strategies, animation and promotional plans to support sales growth and brand objectives.
• Brand Activation: Manage the execution of in-store marketing campaigns, including promotional events, product launches, and seasonal activations across retail outlets.
• Retailer Relations: Build and maintain relationships with retail partners and key accounts, collaborating to ensure optimal brand visibility and alignment with promotional calendars.
• Merchandising Excellence: Oversee the development and deployment of point-of-sale (POS) materials, displays, and brand visuals to ensure consistent luxury branding across locations.
• Marketing and Sales Tools: Ensure all testers, samples and promotional gifting is forecasted and implemented across various retailers.
• Market Analysis: Conduct regular market analysis to understand consumer behavior, competitive landscape, and emerging trends in the luxury cosmetics sector.
• Budget Management: Monitor and manage trade marketing budgets, ensuring effective allocation and ROI on campaigns and activations.
• Performance Tracking: Measure, analyze and report on the performance of trade marketing activities, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Sales and Brand teams to ensure alignment of trade marketing initiatives with overall brand strategy and sales targets.

Market/Region Intelligence and Reporting

• Conduct regular environmental scans of competitor activities.
• Ensure monthly communications to highlight trends and opportunities in the market.
• Manage and implement best practices to continuously improve brand performance.
• Provide competitor feedback to relevant stakeholders to ensure relevant insights are considered to develop marketing strategies and activities.
• Ensure relevant reporting with insights and actions to various stakeholders as required.

Stakeholder Management and Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders (internal and external) to ensure full support of the brand in the market.
• Work with all stakeholders to gain maximum exposure for the brand.
• Ensure optimal relationships with all retail partners.

Leadership and Culture

• Manage own personal development through your PDP (Personal Development Plan). Request training and feedback on performance at least once a month and strive to improve based on these interventions.
• Adhere to the company's values.
• Be an active participant in all culture initiatives and activities.
• Take responsibility for all issues facing the department, work as a team and mentor/coach new team members as required.
• Communicate with your line manager regularly and make recommendations on improving efficiencies and effectiveness in the department.
• Contribute positively to create a harmonious working environment for all team members.

COMPETENCIES

• Presenting and Communication
• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
• Adapting and Responding to Change
• Persuading and influencing
• Analysing
• Planning and organising
• Leadership
• Problem-solving
• Networking

SKILLS

• Strong understanding of Brand Management and marketing concepts
• Attention to detail
• Proactivity, adaptability & flexibility
• Pro-active problem-solving
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Negotiation skills
• Communication skills
• Business/Commercial acumen
• Stakeholder management

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

Business/Marketing degree

3 years relevant experience in the cosmetics/luxury brands retail industry

Proven track record in executing successful trade marketing and in-store campaigns.

Strong understanding of the South African retail landscape and luxury cosmetics market.

Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with attention to detail.

Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret data and derive actionable insights.