Job Description
Position Overview
- The Head of Modern Trade will lead Lontor's strategic expansion and commercial excellence within organized retail channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, electronics retail chains, and large-format stores across Nigeria and West Africa.
- This role is critical to driving brand visibility, market share growth, and profitable revenue through Nigeria's rapidly expanding modern retail sector.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Planning:
- Develop and execute the 3-year Modern Trade strategy aligned with Lontor's overall commercial objectives.
- Set annual sales targets, profit margins, and market share goals for the modern trade channel.
- Lead budget planning, trade investment allocation, and ROI analysis for all modern trade activities.
- Identify new retail partnership opportunities and expansion into emerging modern trade formats (including e-commerce platforms).
Key Account Management:
- Directly manage relationships with top-tier retail partners (e.g., Shoprite, Spar, Game, Jumia, Konga, and major electronics chains).
- Negotiate commercial terms, slotting fees, promotional calendars, and category management agreements.
- Drive new product launches and seasonal campaigns within key accounts.
- Resolve escalated commercial issues and ensure contract compliance.
Sales Team Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Key Account Managers and Modern Trade Executives
- Implement performance management systems with clear KPIs (sell-out growth, distribution depth, merchandising compliance)
- Conduct regular field coaching and joint business planning sessions with account teams
- Drive recruitment and capability building within the modern trade function
In-Store Execution & Merchandising:
- Ensure 95%+ product availability and optimal shelf placement across all modern trade outlets.
- Oversee implementation of Lontor's visual merchandising standards, POS materials, and planogram compliance.
- Drive premium display execution for high-margin categories (air conditioners, renewable energy systems).
- Monitor competitor activities and recommend tactical responses to protect/expand shelf space.
Analytics & Commercial Insights:
- Analyze sell-out data, inventory turnover, and shopper trends to optimize assortment and pricing.
- Track channel profitability metrics (contribution margin, trade spend efficiency, distribution costs).
- Provide monthly performance dashboards to senior management with actionable insights.
- Collaborate with Marketing on shopper marketing initiatives tailored to modern trade consumers.
Requirements
- Interested candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree with 4 - 6 years of work experience.