Noluthando Obi

● Serve as the lead point of contact for trafficking of artwork from Clicks private label buyer to designer

● Build solid relationships with buyers, technologists, and portfolio managers to ensure alignment on client / agency deliverables

● Oversee workflow of all client projects internally from Packaging Team initiation through completion and back to Packaging Team

● Manage schedules, workloads, and deadlines of all freelance creative designers

● Work closely with vendors ensuring projects are delivered accurately and invoiced on time

● Effectively manage the packaging annual budget R3,2m, 5% tolerance for over and under spend

● Plan and manage agency resources accurately based on client’s 18mth forecasts

● Facilitate the process of NPD in collaboration with the designated buyer and portfolio manager and achieve product launch dates

● Communicate any deviations to the business to mitigate risk of late delivery of artwork

● Lead and manage a team of six in-house designers & two jnr Acc Managers

• Conducted research to monitor market conditions and industry competitors.
• Traveled throughout assigned territory to leverage leads and visit existing customers.
• Represented company brand during customer and prospect interactions.
• Cultivated new leads through application of historical data and telesales
• Acquire a solid understanding of customer needs and requirements
• Present, promote, and sell product range using strong communication and presentation skills to existing and prospective customers
• Expedite the resolution of customer complaints to maximise customer service levels
• Achieve agreed upon sales targets and outcomes with profitable margins
• Co-ordinate sales efforts with team members and other departments
• Analyze the market’s potential, track sales and provide status reports
• Compile reports on customer needs, interests, competitor activities, and potential for new products
• Attend trade shows to promote the full product range
• Plan & implement test bakes on new products for new and existing customer to drive sales
• Keep abreast of best practices, promotional trends, and market intelligence
• Provide weekly trade visit feedback to management as well opportunities for growth

• Secured high-value accounts through consultative selling, effective customer solutions and promoting compelling business opportunities.
• Analyzed key competitors to respond to competitive threats.
• Created sales forecasts to target daily, monthly and yearly objectives.
• Supported sales and reporting for large and medium-sized accounts.
• Provide customer forecasts to relevant teams including demand planning, supply chain and production for accurate planning of resources
• Lead a team of four internal sales co-ordinators
• Oversee accuracy of orders captured on JDE and purchase orders issued on time
• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction ensuring that complaints are escalated and attended to within the specified turnaround time
• Co-ordinate pre-sales and post-sales follow-up from order placement to delivery of goods on time in full
• Liaise with the production team daily to keep abreast of any changes to the production plan
• Monitor market trends and provide regular competitor feedback
• Effectively manage raw materials stock levels to minimize ageing and write offs
• Manage quality issues and non-conformances, inspections done on customer site and stock uplift implemented
• Oversee on time submission of NCR’s by QA teams
• Work closely with debtors in managing overdue accounts
• Prepare monthly sales reports for National Sales Director
• Report on competitor activity and new products as well as industry trends
• Manage the sales pipeline using CRM sales management tool Salesforce.com

• Created professional sales presentations to effectively demonstrate product features and competitive advantages.
• Met with existing customers and prospects to discuss business needs and recommend optimal solutions.
• Developed and delivered engaging sales presentations to convey product benefits.
• Attended advanced training sessions and conferences to increase product knowledge and productivity.
• Manage returns and ensure that rejected stock is uplifted
• Respond to customer queries as per agreed time lines
• Plan and manage successful implementation of in-store activations
• Lead, motivate, train, and develop in-store merchandisers
• Conduct weekly price surveys on company brands and competitors
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key contacts
• Submission of weekly reports to Regional Sales Manager

Same portfolio as Tiger Brands

• Negotiated sales deals between customers and agency, resulting in mutually beneficial agreements and cultivated relationships.
• Built and strengthened relationships with new and existing accounts to drive revenue growth.
• Conducted integrated sales presentations to illustrate value of product or service and tailor call-to-action.
• Serviced accounts and proposed new products and services to maximize revenue.
• Employed proactive and collaborative approaches to strengthen relationships and manage customer needs.
• Met and exceeded service level goals to achieve standards and expectations.
• Prepared forecasts to gain understanding of measures needed to grow business.
• Distributed marketing materials to existing and prospective clients to promote products and services.
• Attended networking events to build relationships and identify sales opportunities.
• Cold called, canvassed and obtained referrals to develop sales pipeline.
• Collaborated with internal teams to develop account strategy.
• Communicated between internal and external stakeholders, clients and vendors.
• Leveraged CRM to collect, organize and manage sales data and customer information.
• Stayed up-to-date on emerging industry and product standards and trends to revitalize accounts.
• Reviewed accounts monthly to monitor and track customer satisfaction and complaints.
• Gathered information from clients to secure accounts, verify payment and identify special requirements.
• Resolved issues promptly to drive satisfaction and enhance customer service.
• Prepared additional quotes for current clients to upsell products and services.