Trade Marketing Manager (Category Strategy & Planning) at GBfoods

About the Role

• We are seeking a highly skilled and commercially sharp Trade Marketing Managers to drive category trade strategy at a national level. Responsible for flagship categories such as Mayonnaise, Cooking Aids and Cooking base. This role is central to shaping how our brands win in the Nigerian market.
• Reporting directly to the Trade Marketing Director, the Trade Marketing Manager acts as a category business partner, converting marketing strategies into impactful trade programs that deliver growth in General Trade, Key Accounts, and emerging channels.

Key Responsibilities

Category & Trade Strategy

• Lead national trade marketing plans for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with brand and sales objectives.
• Define channel strategies, with a strong emphasis on General Trade, while adapting for Modern Trade, Key Accounts, and e-commerce where required.
• Monitor competitors closely and proactively design counter-strategies.

Data Analytics & Insights

• Analyze SAP sales data, distributor performance, and market research to identify opportunities and risks.
• Manage large data sets in Excel to simplify complexity into clear business stories.
• Build compelling presentations that highlight insights, problems, and actionable solutions for senior leadership and for Field sales team.

Trade Program Development & Execution

• Design trade promotions, pricing interventions, and merchandising programs to grow category share.
• Deploy and monitor POSM visibility, perfect store execution, and planogram compliance across regions.
• Ensure ROI-focused planning — linking trade investments to measurable sales outcomes.

Performance Tracking & ROI Management

• Establish category KPIs (distribution, visibility, ROI on trade spend) and track performance consistently.
• Lead post-activity reviews to ensure follow-up, accountability, and corrective action.
• Drive a results culture by ensuring category programs deliver against targets, budgets, and timelines.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Brand, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Provide the Sales team with actionable insights and customer-facing tools (dashboards, trade decks, narratives).
• Collaborate with distributors and external partners to ensure maximum impact in-market.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Analytical Mastery: Strong ability to interpret and simplify complex SAP/Excel data into actionable insights.
• Excel & Presentation Skills: Advanced Excel (pivot tables, formulas, modeling) and strong PowerPoint storytelling are non-negotiable skills.
• Storytelling Ability: Transform numbers into compelling narratives that influence senior management and frontline sales teams.
• ROI Mindset: Track, measure, and communicate the return on trade investments with precision.
• Execution Discipline: Strong follow-up to ensure field execution matches plan.
• Commercial Acumen: Deep knowledge of FMCG trade dynamics, category management, and GT channel drivers.
• Collaboration & Influence: Ability to align cross-functional stakeholders and influence distributor partners.
• Target Focus: Consistently delivers against agreed KPIs with accountability and resilience.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 8–12 years of proven experience in Trade Marketing, Market Strategy & Planning, or Category Management within FMCG.
• Demonstrated success in General Trade strategy and execution at scale.
• Hands-on experience with SAP, MS Excel (advanced), and PowerPoint.
• Experience in managing national-level trade programs with proven ROI delivery.
• Strong track record of influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional initiatives.