Field Based Account Manager - LPG Packed Sales at Vivo Energy

Job Purpose:

• To deliver the expected Volumes, profitability, and Debt results in Packed LPG, maintain and develop strong customer relationships, whilst at same time adopting both defend and growth strategies.
• The FBAM (LPG Packed Sales) is responsible to lead packed sales in the region, in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving markets.
• Packed LPG is sold on B2C model through appointed distributors. Therefore, FBAM should deploy effective Distributor Management / Route-to-Market tools and build/maintaining relationships with stakeholders to grow customer base, volumes, and Afrigas penetration.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The role holder is accountable to:

• Deliver both financial (margin/cost/Ebitda) and non-financial (volume/debt/business growth) LPG business targets through a disciplined and effective implementation of functional plans.
• Provide input in developing LPG business plans and strategies in Kenya, aligned with VE’s LPG vision, strategy and direction, to grow business / market share/ deliver T&R; and implement thesame on the ground.
• Use available / defined tools to manage customer / distributor portfolio and deliver results.
• Propose and make changes necessary in the LPG Route-to-Market structure to increase effectiveness / sales / penetration.
• Implement actions to deliver improved metal management, increase cylinder turns, reduce loss of metal to grey market, and control cylinder revalidation costs.
• Manage Credit in line with the company credit policy and manual of authorities. Collect Debt in line with agreed trading terms and complete customer Credit appraisals as they fall due.
• Ensure all invoices and statements are delivered timely to customers. Highlight and resolve invoice disputes with customers.
• Provide accurate sales forecasts for effective S&OP process
• Support the LPG Sales Manager on working with Government and Industry to promote high standards, good practices and a level playing field through the development and enforcement of a robust regulatory framework for LPG.
• Market Intelligence and monitoring: Maintain database of the size of the market, the various competitors and market shares. Provide regular market intelligence such as pricing, new customers, competitor activities etc.
• Implement appropriate LPG marketing propositions & promotions, with support from Marketing.
• Conduct and support technical training for LPG distributors, their staff, and customers (including POS’s).
• Manage the business in compliance with VE LPG HSSE requirements, policies and guidelines.
• This includes conducting regular distributor / POS audits.

Marketing

• Brand Promotion: Grow market share in assigned Sales territory. Assist in the planning and implementation of any LPG customer events earmarked for the particular financial.
• Promote the use of alternative payments methods (Pre-payments) for small volume customers and Resellers.

​​​​​​​Supply Chain

• Provide accurate sales forecasts for an effective S&OP process.
• Work with distribution to ensure smooth product delivery to customers.

​​​​​​​HSSE / Technical

•  Train customers and other stakeholders on product knowledge and HSSE.
• Address / Resolve all technical needs that customers may have.
• Deliver assigned HSSE plan items, including site audits, toolbox and other HSSE meeting participation, PI identification and reporting, TnT engagement, Defensive Driving Compliance,
• Fitness to Drive, VEK safety rules / driving standards etc.

​​​​​​​Key Challenges:

• Keep abreast with the rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive LPG market in Kenya, responding decisively and speedily to these changes, and at the same time endeavouring to remain ahead of competition.
•  Effectively network with Retail team to maximize synergy and LPG sales thru retail channel.
•  Participate in lobby efforts with Govt. and other stakeholders to enhance LPG Regulatory framework.
•  Develop business plans for all distributors with stretching objectives and targets to enable both VEK and distributor maximize business opportunities in the market.

Requirements

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Business/Marketing with at least 5 years work experience in Sales & Marketing field.
• Previous hands-on experience in FMCG channel/distributor management, selling & negotiation,marketing strategy, customer relationship management, and managing a team is necessary.
• Good problem solving and communication skills.