Key Responsibilities
1. Sales & Business Development
- Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve revenue, volume, and market share targets for building materials across the retail channel.
- Identify and onboard new retail partners, including hardware stores, home improvement centers, and specialty building material outlets.
- Negotiate trading terms, listing fees, shelf space, and promotional placements with key retailers.
- Manage channel P&L, ensuring optimal trade spend and return on investment.
2. Key Account Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers such as retail buyers, category managers, and store owners.
- Conduct regular business reviews with major retail accounts (e.g., Mr. DIY, HomePro, Ace Hardware, hardware cooperatives) to align on sales targets, inventory levels, and marketing initiatives.
- Ensure timely resolution of operational issues including stock availability, delivery, and merchandising.
3. Trade Marketing & Merchandising
- Collaborate with the trade marketing team to execute in-store activations, product displays, and promotional campaigns tailored to the hardware retail environment.
- Ensure compliance with brand standards, planogram execution, and optimal shelf visibility across all retail touchpoints.
- Provide product training to retail sales staff to enhance product knowledge and improve sell-through.
4. Market Intelligence & Reporting
- Monitor competitor activities, market trends, and pricing strategies within the building materials sector.
- Analyze sales data and prepare regular reports on channel performance, inventory turnover, and customer feedback.
- Forecast accurately to support supply chain and inventory planning.
Requirements
Experience & Education
- Minimum 35 years of sales experience in the building materials, hardware, construction, or home improvement industry.
- Proven track record in retail channel management, preferably handling hardware stores or home improvement chains.
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (diploma holders with relevant experience may be considered).
Skills & Competencies
- Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Familiarity with the Malaysian hardware retail landscape, including key players and regional hardware chains.
- Ability to work independently and manage a field-based role with frequent travel across Klang Valley and potentially nationwide.
- Proficient in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable with sales reporting and analysis.
- Excellent communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia; Mandarin is an advantage for engaging with traditional hardware stores and certain retail chains.
Personal Attributes
- Self-motivated, target-driven, and resilient.
- Hands-on approach with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Valid driving license and own transport (car allowance provided).
