Sales Director, Switzerland

The Sales Director, Switzerland is responsible for leading the commercial operations of the market to deliver budgeted invoiced sales, net sales and gross margin & operating profit. They implement and influences a category management approach that increases category share, drives optimum distribution and develops competitive advantage. They also represents the company with major market customers, suppliers and external contacts and actively contributes to the strategic direction and positive transformation of the business as a core member of the DACHPO Leadership Team.

**Accountabilities**:

- Set and achieve the sales, financial planning and customer contribution target for the market’s entire product portfolio in all distribution channels
- Consistently drive business retention and growth in line with the business plan
- Monitor performance of commercial activities using key metrics and prepare reports for senior management
- Customer development
- Develop and implement account/channel strategies that will lead to transformational growth in priority accounts whilst maintaining the base business
- Take responsibility for the trade channel dimension of the business/brand planning process to ensure that agreed programmes and plans are tailored to meet customer needs
- Build multi-level and multi-functional contacts with all major customers to raise the profile of the Energizer brands and Company.
- Customer promotions
- Oversee negotiations with customers on promotion planning and execution in store to support the overall performance of the market.
- Negotiate execution in store with key customers. Collect data from external sources, review outcomes and capture lessons learned into future plans to support the post-promotion evaluation and review.
- Trade terms and pricing
- Take a lead in developing the commercial strategy and preparation of pricing strategy, discounts and other trade terms for the market in line with Global guidance.
- Actively ensure steering and budgeting of trade allowances and oversee the management of deflators including invoice and deduction approvals.
- Forecasting
- Project customer/channel gross profit and loss (volumes, revenues and gross margin) and submit for annual business planning.
- Develop an accurate sales forecast and ensure that account managers maintain effective communication with Demand Management and Brand teams to deliver agreed sales and operation planning targets.
- Talent Management
- Motivate, develop and align the capability of the commercial team to the business’ needs. Identify and develop successors to key roles, agree annual goals with team members and manage performance.
- Drive regular discussions with outsourced providers as necessary to ensure the business’ needs are covered by their teams with optimum level of quality, and manager service performance in alignment with local regulations
- Representation: Represent the company with major customers, suppliers and external contacts. Develop and maintain top level relationships with key customers ensuring the provision of excellent customer service.
- Team: Create the conditions for enhanced internal cross-functional teamwork in order to drive productivity improvements. Collaborate and coordinate with Marketing and Category Management on customer plans, media and promotional campaigns. Liaise with Commercial/Revenue Management on pricing

**Required Skills and Experience**:

- BSc/BA in business administration, finance or relevant field; MSc/MA is a plus
- Fluent in English
- Min. 8 Years FMCG Sales
- Proven experience as Sales director or other relevant role & proven track record leading & developing top customers
- Proven experience in sales and/or marketing and managing relationships with key clients /extensive experiences in working in international cross functional matrix organizations
- Track record contributing at strategic levels with leadership ability to motivate and inspire teams having convincing leader personality and ability to develop a high performing team

**Preferred Skills and Experience**:

- Negotiation skills
- Commercial delivery
- In-depth understanding of market research methods and analysis
- Solid knowledge of performance reporting and financial/budgeting processes
- Commercial awareness partnered with a strategic mindset with strategy development and successful execution
- **We win together** - We relentlessly pursue our goals. We celebrate and move to the next challenge. We act with urgency because windows of opportunity close quickly. We are focused on results.
- **While serving each other** - We care for others’ success as much as we do our own. We challenge respectfully to drive better outcomes and work collectively across functions, levels and geographies to achieve our goals. All for one, one for all.
- **With a willingness to act boldly** - We push forward rather than leaning back. We take chances, have a bias for action and go all in to achieve our goals. Even if