Assistant Manager, Trade Development (Oil, Fats & Cereal Products Category) - Lagos

Job title : Assistant Manager, Trade Development (Oil, Fats & Cereal Products Category) - Lagos

PURPOSE ​

To manage and develop trade channels for the  Oil, Fats and Cereal Products Category by driving sales performance, strengthening distributor partnerships, and executing retail strategies to maximize market penetration, category growth, and revenue delivery.

THE JOB ​

• Oversee and manage multiple Key Distributors (KDs) to ensure efficient trade development for the Oil, Fats and Cereal Products portfolio.
• Drive achievement of sales volume and value targets through tailored market expansion strategies across assigned territories.
• Lead direct-to-retail redistribution initiatives, coordinating van sales and open market sales teams to improve category availability and visibility.
• Enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for route planning and ensure optimal use of sales automation tools.
• Expand territory coverage by establishing and optimizing sub-distributor networks, with a focus on deepening penetration for category SKUs.
• Coach and mentor Sales Development Officers (SDOs) and field teams to build strong execution capabilities within the category.
• Develop and execute Joint Business Plans (JBPs) with Key Distributors to drive category growth, assortment expansion, and market share gains.
• Analyze competitor activities and category trends (Oil, Fats, Cereals), providing actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

THE PERSON MUST HAVE

• Mandatory experience in FMCG, specifically within the Oil, Fats and Cereal Products Category (non-negotiable).
• Strong knowledge of FMCG redistribution and Route-to-Market (RTM) strategies.
• Proven ability to manage and develop Key Distributor (KD) networks across assigned territories.
• Demonstrated track record of driving sales growth, achieving targets, and expanding market penetration within the category.

QUALIFICATIONS ​

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE ​

• Minimum of 5+ years of sales experience in FMCG, preferably in redistribution sales.
• Demonstrated experience managing food categories such as edible oils, fats, cereals, or related staples is highly preferred .
• Proven track record managing large Key Distributor networks and driving category growth.