National Downtrade Manager (Small Retail)

As National Downtrade Manager (Small Retail), you will be responsible for driving business performance management, financial governance, and collaboration with customers across the commercial organisation through analytical insights, planning excellence, investment discipline, and multifunctional leadership.

Responsibilities

• Performance Management, Analysis, and BEES:
• Lead business reviews to support strategic commercial decision-making with high granularity.
• Lead annual commercial planning processes, including budget construction, forecasting cycles, goal setting, and development of strategic business plans for the next year.
• Conduct in-depth analyses of market share and commercial performance to identify opportunities, risks, and action plans.
• Develop and maintain performance dashboards, KPIs, and executive reporting routines.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of commercial investments and trade spending through ROI analyses, enabling intelligent resource allocation and productivity gains.
• Translate complex data into actionable business recommendations for senior leadership.
• Foster a fact-based decision-making culture across the organisation.

• Financial Management:
• Monitor, govern, and control commercial budget financial processes.
• Lead reconciliation routines for investments and CPM payment processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Manage financial processes across the commercial value chain.
• Collaborate closely with finance and sales leaders to ensure correct investment allocation and budget discipline.
• Support forecasting, financial planning, and performance monitoring initiatives.

• Customer Collaboration:
• Lead collaborative planning and forecasting processes with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment between commercial priorities and operational execution.
• Monitor key performance KPIs, driving proactive action plans to optimise business performance.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure adequate supply planning and product availability in channels and regions.
• Identify opportunities for business growth, operational efficiencies, and process improvements within the collaboration model.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to customer collaboration, forecast accuracy, and service level performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• Advanced English language skills (will interact with global teams)
• Solid experience in business performance management, sales analysis, or commercial strategy
• Strong analytical and financial capabilities
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and stakeholder management skills
• Advanced Excel skills (Power BI desirable)
• Ability to influence senior leadership through data-driven recommendations