Assistant Manager, Marketing (East Africa)

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially driven Assistant Manager, Marketing (East Africa) to develop, manage and expand the company's business presence across East African markets. The incumbent will be responsible for driving sales growth, strengthening customer relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and implementing market strategies for the company's portfolio of edible oils, specialty fats, bakery & confectionery fats, dairy-related ingredients and rice products with sales spanning more than 100 international markets, including East Africa.

The role requires a strong understanding of the East African FMCG, food manufacturing, food service, trading and distribution landscape, as well as the ability to manage export sales and commercial activities across multiple countries within the region.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales & Business Development

• Drive overall sales volume, revenue growth and profitability for assigned East African markets.
• Develop and execute market-specific sales strategies to achieve annual sales targets and business objectives.
• Identify, develop and expand business opportunities with distributors, importers, wholesalers, food manufacturers, bakery and confectionery producers, dairy processors, modern trade retailers and other key customers.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with existing customers while actively developing new customer accounts and distribution channels.
• Monitor sales performance, customer demand and market developments to ensure sustainable business growth.

2. Market Expansion & Marketing

• Develop and execute market penetration, sales and marketing strategies across East African markets to drive business growth, expand customer reach and strengthen the company's market presence.

• Identify emerging market opportunities, evolving consumer trends and new product development prospects through regular market visits, customer engagement and market intelligence gathering.

• Evaluate and implement promotional activities, marketing campaigns and product launches, while collaborating with internal stakeholders to support effective branding, product positioning and market development initiatives.

3. Product Portfolio Management

• Drive market share growth for the company's product portfolio, including Cooking Oils Speciality Fats Bakery & Confectionery Fats Dairy Ingredients/Fats Rice Products.
• Analyse product performance and recommend strategies to improve competitiveness and profitability.
• Introduce suitable products based on customer requirements and market demand.

4. Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis

• Monitor market trends, regulatory developments, pricing movements, supply-demand dynamics and competitor activities within East Africa.
• Gather and analyse market intelligence to identify opportunities, business risks and potential challenges.
• Provide regular market reports, business forecasts and strategic recommendations to management.

5. Risk Management & Commercial Controls

• Assess commercial, credit and operational risks associated with customers, distributors and markets.
• Ensure compliance with company policies regarding credit management, contract execution and sales governance.
• Monitor customer payment performance and work closely with finance and management teams to minimise business risks.

6. Supply Chain & Customer Service Coordination

• Work closely with Operations, Logistics and Customer Service teams to ensure timely order fulfilment and smooth cargo delivery.
• Coordinate shipment schedules and resolve operational issues to maintain customer satisfaction.
• Ensure efficient communication between customers and internal departments throughout the order fulfilment process.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in international sales, export sales, business development or marketing within the food, edible oil, agricultural commodities, FMCG particularly in East African markets.
• Demonstrated experience managing business activities in one or more East African markets, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi or neighbouring countries.
• Proven track record in achieving sales targets, developing distribution networks and managing key accounts.
• Comfort with periodic travel to East African markets to support business development, customer engagement and market expansion activities.

Qualification Requirement

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing or International Trade

Key Competencies

• Strong understanding of East African market dynamics, customer landscape, distribution channels, trade practices and business environment.
• Knowledge of edible oils, specialty fats, food ingredients, rice or related commodity products is required.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in export documentation, international trade and cross-border business transactions will be an advantage.
• Ability to analyse market intelligence and formulate effective sales strategies.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation and stakeholder management skills.