Brief on the Job Position :

The Area Manager -Sales is one of the extremely important positions in Ayekart. The objective of the position is to spearhead the sales operations in both agricultural and retail marketing system and expand organization's footprint in assigned geographical area to drive sales growth and increase revenue generation.

Scope of Work :

The Area Manager -Sales will be responsible for managing the entire sourcing and sales cycle of the various agricultural and retail products offered by Ayekart right from lead generation to successful sales closure. S/He would be in the vanguard of executing the area sales strategy, directly dealing with all the forefront players of the buyers, sellers, distributor and logistic network, increasing market penetration, and continuously improving sales performance to achieve the sales targets assigned to his/her area.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities :

A. Sourcing and Selling of Agricultural Commodities and Execute the retail sales in the Assigned Area

- Work in close coordination with Regional Manager -Sales for delineating the products line wise sales targets of his specified area in alignment with regional sourcing as well as sales targets.

- Facilitate the B2B and B2C buyer-seller network in adoption and consistent usage of the Ayekart Business App, Ayekart Hisaab App, Ayekart Consumer App and their respective desktop versions; provide assistance and support in new products listings and uploads, category builds, product detail maintenance, promotional activities, reconciliation of inventory, remove discontinued/out-of-stock items, etc.

- Make monthly, quarterly and annual sales forecasts based on market demand and current trends; assess the potential for sales of product lines in the assigned area.

- Devise and execute individual action plan (daily, weekly or monthly) with clearly defined priorities to achieve the assigned sourcing and sales targets along with budgeting and financial/revenue targets within the prescribed timelines in overall regional plan.

- Prepare advanced plan for area-specific seasonal crops, forecast demand for inputs and outputs, take pre-order, balance out with assured supply, engage multiple vendors (if need be) to ensure adequate and timely supply.

- Manage and oversee day-to-day sales operations viz. product sourcing, follow-up supply and distribution channels, secure new sales deals, regular market visits, follow-ups on Ayekart apps usage, chasing sales order placements, order fulfilment, etc.

- Ensure presence on ground zero to keep a check and control on operating costs such as manpower, energy and fuel, logistics and freight, etc.

- Ensure quality standards of produce, control transportation wastage, reduce inefficiencies in distribution system.

- Coordinate delivery, streamline logistic and transportation processes, resolve issues causing unnecessary delays and ensure to get the product to buyer/customer quickly, safely and in the best possible condition.

- Continuous follow-up with the suppliers, buyers, distributors and other channel partners for timely payables and receivables in order to maintain a positive cash conversion cycle.

- Ensure completion of all necessary administration and finance procedures, approvals and documentation for procurement and sales.

- Ensure compliance of the state and central government's regulatory policies, guidelines and laws pertaining to marketing sale, purchase and distribution of agricultural inputs and outputs.

- Regularly review sales data and share daily updates with the Regional Manager; also prepare and share monthly, quarterly and annual sales reports

B. Regular co-ordination with Agri-producers, Agri-marketers, Suppliers, Buyers, Distributors Network in Assigned Area

- Build strong relations and maintain regular contact with strategic network with the different community institutions like FPGs, Farmer Clubs, Cooperatives and FPOs, producers, distributors, retailers, 3P logistic players, warehouses, fulfilment centres, etc. in assigned geographical area.

- Assist Regional Manager in exploring opportunities and negotiate for regional and/or for local tie ups with various products (inputs and outputs) manufacturers, branded and/ or non-branded products, under FMCG, FMCD and other related categories in accordance with Ayekart's business aspirational goals.

- Explore and contact new buyers, distributors, marketers, for array of agricultural products, and develop plans to capture this new business and convert the lead into successful sale.

- Negotiate the best possible deals in terms of price, costs, volumes and delivery with buyers, suppliers, distributors and logistic network.

- Build and maintain rapport with key customers; maintain a database of current customers, prospects and influencers for the specific product lines, address their queries regarding products, range, supply duration, payment options, delivery, etc.

- Identify new opportunities for expanding area retail (buyers) network; contact potential

- buyers and suppliers, etc.; develop plans to capture this new business and convert the lead into successful sale.

- Introduce new products to buyer network/retailers; address their queries regarding products, range, supply duration, payment options, delivery, return, exchange and refund policies in line with their expectations and industry policy.

C. Conduct Area-Specific Marketing and Sales Promotional Campaign

- Liaise with marketing team for organizing sales promotional activities, frequent campaigns as a part of brand building and market development effort to increase growth, revenue and customer base.

- Analyse market trends and customer demands; track competitors' activities and recommend product lines by identifying new product and services opportunities, packaging, and service changes, etc.

D. Any other work assigned by the competent authority.

Qualifications and Experience :

- Post Graduate in Business Management/ Marketing/ Agribusiness Management/Agriculture Economics/ Agricultural Engineering / Supply Chain Management or any other relevant field.

- Minimum 7 years of experience of working in agricultural industry / marketing / retail management.

- At least 3 years of experience in creating networks and business development, account management, and enhancing professional sales for new molecule.

- Proven experience in territory management, building relationship, lead generation, analysing and forecasting market trends.

- Experience of working with large sales team on sale and procurement of large array of agricultural inputs and outputs.

- Familiarity with different kind of farm machinery and how it operates and efficiency it offers, crop-specific usage of fertilizers, pesticides, details of growing and harvesting crops, livestock, etc.

- Working knowledge of assaying, grading, quality standards, of agricultural and horticultural produce.

- Working knowledge of IT/Business infrastructure and MS Office.

- Proficiency in (Reading, Writing and Speaking) of English and Hindi language. Working knowledge of any other Indian vernacular language will be favourable for the candidate.

Skills and Core Competencies :

A. Essential :

- Ability to work with accuracy under time constraints such as managing time-sensitive delivery requirements with patience and tactfulness.

- Ability to work under pressure and handle workloads relate to seasonal demands - some unsociable hours may be necessary during busy periods (e.g., during sowing, harvesting) and incumbent will be expected to deal with emergencies.

- Notable interpersonal and communication skills with a positive demeanour and ability to provide both positive and negative feedback effectively.

- Willingness to travel, especially stay and work in a rural environment.

- Strong negotiating and networking skills.

B. Desirable :

- Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.

- Ability to effectively manage and maintain peer and business relationships with a high degree of integrity and trust.

Reporting :

- The Area Manager - Agricultural Sales shall report to the Regional Manager -Sales, Ayekart.

- S/He will seek guidance and directions from the Regional Manager -Sales.

Remuneration & Benefits :

- A competitive remuneration package shall be tailored according to the candidate's competence and calibre.

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