Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) – Food & Beverages
Product Category: Maize Flour and Related Food Products
Experience Required: 3 years and above
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: [Nairobi]
Job Summary
We are seeking a results-driven and self-motivated Van Sales Representative to drive sales and distribution of maize flour and related food products. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing assigned sales routes, identifying new business opportunities, servicing existing customers, collecting payments, and ensuring consistent product availability across retail outlets and wholesale channels.
The ideal candidate must have proven experience in FMCG field sales, preferably within the food manufacturing, maize milling, or consumer goods distribution industry. They should possess strong selling, negotiation, customer relationship management, and route planning skills.
Key Responsibilities
1. Sales and Revenue Generation
• Drive daily, weekly and monthly sales targets for maize flour and related products.
• Actively sell and distribute products to retailers, wholesalers, supermarkets, dukas and other assigned outlets.
• Identify and develop new customers and business opportunities within assigned territories.
• Upsell and cross-sell the company's product range to maximise sales volumes.
2. Route Management and Distribution
• Manage assigned sales routes and ensure consistent coverage of customer outlets.
• Plan daily sales visits to maximise territory penetration and sales productivity.
• Ensure timely delivery of products and maintain proper stock levels in the van.
• Monitor product availability, visibility and shelf placement at customer outlets.
3. Customer Relationship Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective customers.
• Address customer enquiries, complaints and product-related concerns professionally.
• Follow up on customer orders and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Negotiate sales agreements within the company's approved pricing and credit policies.
4. Payment Collection and Account Management
• Collect payments from customers and ensure proper accountability for all sales transactions.
• Follow up on outstanding customer balances in line with company credit policies.
• Maintain accurate records of sales, deliveries, returns and collections.
5. Market Intelligence and Reporting
• Monitor competitor activities, pricing, promotions and market trends.
• Gather customer feedback and identify opportunities to improve product penetration.
• Submit daily sales reports, route coverage reports and stock reconciliation records.
• Provide feedback on product demand, customer preferences and market challenges.
6. Stock and Vehicle Management
• Ensure proper handling, storage and accountability of products loaded onto the van.
• Monitor stock movement and minimise product losses, damages and returns.
• Maintain the assigned vehicle in good working condition and ensure compliance with road safety regulations.
Required Qualifications and Experience
• Diploma or Certificate in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration or a related field is an added advantage.
• At least 3 years of proven experience in van sales, FMCG sales or direct distribution.
• Experience selling food products, maize flour, edible oils, cereals, beverages or other fast-moving consumer goods is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets.
• Experience managing assigned sales territories, customer routes and retail distribution networks.
• A valid driving licence with a clean driving record.
• Previous experience operating a company sales van is an added advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies
• Strong selling and negotiation skills: Ability to convert prospects into customers and close sales.
• FMCG distribution knowledge: Understanding of retail, wholesale and general trade distribution channels.
• Route planning and territory management: Ability to organise daily routes and maximise customer coverage.
• Customer relationship management: Ability to build lasting relationships and retain customers.
• Target orientation: Strong drive to achieve daily, weekly and monthly sales targets.
• Communication and interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate effectively with customers from different business backgrounds.
• Numerical and basic financial skills: Ability to handle sales transactions, reconcile stock and account for collections.
• Problem-solving skills: Ability to resolve customer concerns and respond to market challenges.
• Time management: Ability to work independently, manage multiple customer visits and meet delivery schedules.
• Integrity and accountability: Demonstrate honesty in handling company stock, cash, payments and customer accounts.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Performance will be measured based on:
• Achievement of daily, weekly and monthly sales targets.
• Number of new customers acquired.
• Customer retention and repeat orders.
• Territory and route coverage.
• Product distribution and market penetration.
• Timely payment collection and outstanding debt management.
• Stock accountability and minimisation of product losses.
• Quality and accuracy of sales reporting.