BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!
British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an Area Manager - Southern England
The Area Manager is the sole Multicategory Sales Area Custodian, owning the full strategy and deployment at area level and serving as the primary role responsible for the quality execution of all trade and brand plans within the designated area, covering vaping, nicotine pouches, and FMC. This role is crucial for achieving key business related KPIs such as Share of Market (SOM), volume, distribution levels, and TCI objectives across various trade channels. The role places a special emphasis on people management and development, performance tracking, area account management, mystery visits to establishments, and 121 and activation management.
The Area Manager will lead and coach a team of territory managers to exceed sales targets and deliver operational goals across Brighton, Portsmouth, Canterbury, Milton Keynes, Southampton, Reading, Hastings, etc. (Southern England)
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Market Monitoring and Analysis:
- Conduct daily control of BAT volume, market volume, and New Product Introductions (NPIs) in the area to identify new opportunities or improvement areas.
- Business Development – find opportunities in the market to be driven at local level or raised up o Weekly market visits with purpose to identify market insights (Market visits with or without TMs)
- Area account management for mini-multiples
- Quality Execution of Brand & Trade Programs:
- Drive and ensure the quality execution of all Brand & Trade programs or activities within the assigned area.
- Coordinate the swift implementation of programs, reacting decisively against competitive threats.
- 121 activation management – in collaboration with B2B and Consumer Experience ensure areas and territories have mapped out, engaged and agreed upon activations
- KPI Monitoring and Assessment:
- Visibility drive indicators – including furniture, backwalls, counter top units or any other solution – focus on resource allocation and overall accountability of area deployment
- Measure and assess results against Route to Market (RTM) KPIs (SOM, Distribution Levels, Out of Stock, TCP compliance, and Product quality at retail) and Consumer Activation’s KPIs (Visibility SOV, Quality of brand activation, and TCI).
- Generate SOM Growth and enhance BAT Brand equity among retailers and consumers.
- Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead, manage, develop, and coach the team to create a highly motivated and high performing unit that surpasses the competition.
- Emphasize on-the-job training and talent pipeline development for the broader organization.
- Ensure appropriate training and induction for the team in business-relevant areas, including the tobacco industry, product knowledge, competitors, BAT internal systems, and legal restrictions.
What are we looking for?
- Approximately 3/4 years of proven experience in trade marketing / sales at Territory Area Manager/Sales Rep level or Brand/Trade Assistant level in an FMCG company that has incorporated a trade channel and account management approach.
- Experience in People Management and Confident communicator and coach, passionate about helping others grow.
- Sharp commercial insight with strong data analysis skills and understanding of category management and profit impact.
- Experienced in planning, prioritizing, managing risks, and allocating resources efficiently.
- Skilled at building relationships and influencing retailers and partners.
- Motivated with a focus on setting and achieving ambitious goals.
- Flexible and proactive, thriving in fast-paced, regulated environments with a drive for continuous improvement
What we offer you?
- We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
- Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
- Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
- You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
- We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes
WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.
Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.
We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.
