For our customer Asahi we are looking for a junior level sales representative for the on-trade sector in Helsinki.

About the client

Asahi Europe & International (AEI) is a subsidiary of Asahi Group Holdings Ltd, a global beverage and food company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan.

Employing over 12,000 people, AEI have world-class brewing and production facilities in 8 markets. In most of these markets, they are the leading brewer with full portfolio of Domestic and International premium and super premium brands such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch, Kozel and Asahi Super Dry both directly and through our global distribution network.

More information can be found at www.asahibeer.ltd

About the role

You will be responsible for profitably building their global brands outside the domestic markets of Asahi Europe, operating primarily through distribution partners. Within this remit, the role holder is responsible for commercial activity in Helsinki, as defined by the EMEAA strategy. The key purpose of this role is to develop the  business in the Premium On Trade channel by: 

• Identifying the key areas within the assigned city for each brand in portfolio
• Mapping the on-trade outlets in the key areas through Asahi’s segmentation model
• Sign agreements with key Premium outlets in the key areas of the assigned city reaching assigned targets of incremental distribution by brand.

Work tasks

This person is responsible for the following key outputs and accountabilities:

• Identify, activate, farm and regularly refresh key premium outlets, in accordance with Asahi methodologies (HoReCa)
• Create and sustain a network of key opinion leaders (trendsetting consumers, retailers and other influencers within the Local Business Areas) for our brands
• Periodically train and coach distributor sales force
• Regularly follow-up on distributor(s) delivery of execution targets, spot-check in-outlet execution and manage corrective measures via the distributor on negative observations
• Direct the distributor on winning/retaining distribution in leading outlets
• Manage consumer activations via distributor/agencies and KOLs. Ensure proper amplification of the consumer activations
• Source and collate country specific insights for brand development and innovation to periodically feedback to the Trade Marketing and Market Development teams
• Evaluate success of trade and consumer activations on regular basis (quarterly cycle) and support APB Trade Marketing in developing and implementing best practises
• Support the country director in managing marketing budget and signing-off distributor/3rd party delivery of activities
• Identify and secure agreements with major On Trade groups to step-change performance of our key Brands

Experience

• Previous work experience in FMCG and/or AlcoBev companies (preferred), preferably beer
• Minimum of 3 years experience in sales and/or FMCG working as a Brand Ambassador, Sales Representative or distributor in FMCG
• Direct experience and strong involvement in working commercially, preferably with local and regional/international partners and/or brands
• Robust exposure to or experience in trade marketing and/or managing trade partners, preferably working with premium brands
• Solid understanding of the beverage category and trade environment in the country
• Fluent in Finnish, and proficient in English

Qualifications

• Building Relationships and connecting with customers
• Communicating in a clear and articulate manner
• Inspiring, influencing and being passionate about this role.
• Good understanding of business levers and drivers.
• Strong ability to prioritize and make realistic plans
• Insightful about what moves in the market
• Think outside the box, leverage new opportunities. 
• Can maintain focus on longer term goals in a changing environment. Able to ask for help at the right time when required
• Hunter mindset
• Start-up/entrepreneur mindset

Other

• Start date: after vacations, 2022
• Area: Helsinki/capital area

Please note that we will start interviews as soon as possible after, so register on our website with application, CV in English and arguments why you would be the best possible candidate for this assignment. For more information please contact Mari Torstila in Finland at: torstila (at) nordicretailgroup.com.

About Nordic Retail Group

Nordic Retail Group is a full-service retail agency, founded in 1997 and is represented in all four Nordic countries. We focus on helping our clients build their brands and reach their goals by offering staffing, recruitment, creative studio, and innovative inventions for our clients. We have built a strong team and we know what’s needed for a brand to succeed in retail, and how to increase sales both locally and globally.

The work environment at Nordic Retail Group is creative and energetic and we’re always eager to go the extra mile to succeed. We truly have a passion for people, that’s why it’s so important for us to offer the most safe, inclusive, and inspiring workplace that we possibly can for our amazing employees.

We highly value having a diverse team with different types of experiences and backgrounds included in the mix. It’s important to us that everyone feels valued, appreciated and like an important part of our team. Most importantly, we want our staff to love coming to work. Like our founders always says: “You should not only whistle on your way home from the office – but also on your way to the office.”

Visit our website www.nordicretailgroup.com for more information.