Vimbai Kuwanda
Harare
Summary
Results-driven professional with over a decade in trade marketing and sales management. Developed and executed strategic marketing plans that increased market share by 15% and enhanced key account performance by 20%. Experienced in managing distribution channels to optimise sales and profitability, utilising tools such as Sage and Microsoft applications to enhance operational efficiency.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Manager North Region
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO
02.2022 - Current
- Managed key regional trade customers, leading to a 20% increase in volume and share performance.
- Developed and implemented regional trade marketing plan, resulting in a 15% increase in market share within the first year.
- Established effective trade marketing and distribution structure, reducing operational costs by 10% while maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Implemented regional presence marketing programs, achieving a 25% improvement in in-store visibility and sales performance for strategic brands.
- Motivated sales staff to enhance strategies through competitions and personalised coaching, driving team engagement and performance.
- Led, trained and coached employees to consistently meet and exceed target KPIs.
- Fostered relationships with store managers, providing leadership and support to align efforts with company objectives.
- Prepared and presented detailed area performance reports to senior management, supporting data-driven strategic decision-making.
- Conducted regular performance reviews with team members, setting clear objectives and addressing any areas for improvement.
- Provided trade marketing information and reports, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Analysed market trends to identify opportunities for business growth and competitive advantage.
- Collaborated with marketing department to create promotional campaigns that drove footfall and sales.
- Analysed current strategies for strengths and weaknesses and adjusted approaches to maintain sales trajectory.
- Monitored competitors through multi-channel research strategies to best capitalise on market gaps or anticipate changes in customer interests.
- Acted as a key point of contact for all operational issues within the area, resolving problems quickly and efficiently.
Trade Marketing Representative
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO
Harare
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Developed and implemented territory trade marketing plan, resulting in a 10% increase in brand volume and share.
- Provided trade marketing information and reports, supporting informed decision-making and effective performance monitoring.
- Established close working relationships with trade, enhancing market understanding and securing high levels of support and loyalty.
- Managed efficient distribution of cigarettes, achieving 95% on-time delivery and reducing distribution costs by 8%.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
- Resolved customer queries and problems using effective communication and providing step-by-step solutions.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and referred significant issues to supervisor for resolution.
- Managed financial accounts and assets, ensuring secure and efficient use of resources.
- Assisted team by taking on additional responsibilities, ensuring timely project completion.
- Promoted safe working environment by implementing regulatory standards, policies and guidelines.
Sales and Marketing Executive
TENDO ELECTRONICS
07.2016 - 08.2018
- Executed marketing strategies, resulting in a 20% increase in sales revenue within the first year.
- Identified and capitalised on marketing opportunities, achieving 15% increase in market penetration.
- Contributed to strategic planning, driving long-term marketing objectives and growth initiatives.
- Proactively built profitable client bases through targeted cold calling and lead nurturing.
- Managed customer relationships, resulting in a 25% improvement in customer satisfaction and retention.
- Leveraged networking and relationship-building skills to drive growth in B2B settings.
- Maintained outstanding customer relationships by providing excellent support and solving queries both over the phone and in person.
- Engaged customers post-sale to assess satisfaction and suggest additional products.
Sales and Marketing
LONGDEN STEEL
09.2010 - 06.2016
- Generated new business through personal selling, resulting in a 30% increase in sales revenue.
- Implemented advertising and promotional strategies, enhancing brand visibility and market presence.
- Conducted market research and analysis to develop targeted marketing strategies that increased engagement.
- Managed budget allocation for sales and marketing initiatives, maximising return on investment.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing teams to align product support with overall business strategies.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing teams to align ad trafficking activities with campaign goals, ensuring cohesive messaging.
- Managed key accounts to enhance customer satisfaction and foster loyalty.
- Kept records of client conversations, sales and preferences on [System] CRM to use for future sales and marketing opportunities.
Education
MBA - Business Management
University of East London
Brits, NW04-2026
Bachelor of Science - Management (Marketing and General Management)
Women's University in Africa
Zimbabwe01-2008
Skills
- Sales Training
- Sales Management
- Marketing Strategy
- Sales Forecasting
- Market Analysis
- Employee Management
- Business Development
- Territory Management
- Sales Reporting
- Sales Training
- Performance Management
- Strategic Planning
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Company presentations
- Presentations
- Customer Segmentation
- Relationship Management
- Customer Relations
- Negotiation
- Vendor Management
- Trend Analysis
- Brand Promotion
- Omni-channel marketing
- Team Leadership
- Leadership
- Employee Management
- Staff Development
- Talent development
- Mentoring
- Sales Strategies
- Decision-Making
- Stakeholder Management
- Presentations
- Omni-channel marketing
- Talent development
- Negotiation
- Customer Segmentation
- Stakeholder Management
Custom Section
- Trade Marketing
- Sales Management
- Marketing Strategy
- Relationship Management
- Financial Management
- Market Analysis
- Sage Pastel Evolution
- Sage Pastel Partner
- Microsoft Excel (including advanced functions like VLOOKUP, PivotTables)
- Microsoft PowerPoint (including presentation design and delivery)
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Access (database management and reporting)
Profile Snapshot
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with over a decade of experience in trade marketing, sales, and marketing management across diverse industries. Proven track record of driving business growth and achieving organizational objectives through strategic planning, effective leadership, and innovative marketing initiatives. Skilled in developing and implementing trade marketing plans, managing key accounts, and optimizing distribution channels to maximize sales and profitability. Proficient in utilizing software applications such as Sage Pastel Evolution, Sage Pastel Partner, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Access to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Strong communicator and collaborator with a passion for delivering exceptional results and fostering long-term relationships with customers and stakeholders.
References
Can be provided upon request.
Languages
shona
First Language
English
Advanced
C1
Interests
- Reading, farming and travelling
Timeline
Area Manager North Region
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO
02.2022 - Current
Trade Marketing Representative
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO
01.2018 - 01.2022
Sales and Marketing Executive
TENDO ELECTRONICS
07.2016 - 08.2018
Sales and Marketing
LONGDEN STEEL
09.2010 - 06.2016
MBA - Business Management
University of East London
Bachelor of Science - Management (Marketing and General Management)
Women's University in Africa