Job offer: Brand Manager

Position Summary:
Under the governance and supervision of the Brand Director, the Brand Manager is responsible for driving the brand's success. The Manager will oversee all related administrative activities, marketing, sales, stock inventory and human resources related to the assigned Brand. The position holder will be responsible for these activities as well as formulating and implementing strategies, all with the goal of enhancing the brand’s image, achieving targets, timely reporting and ensuring a high quality of experience to customers and colleagues. It is the expectation that the incumbent would invest the time to become familiar with the company’s Dealer Management System, HSS&E, CRM and other systems and policies.

Duties and responsibilities.

Administrative:

• Act as the liaison between the supplier and/or regional offices on all Brand related matters.
• Set budgets, quotas and incentives for the Brand and Sales Team.
• Manage, utilize and maintain the vehicle flowcharts and other productivity tools (such as arrivals, waitlists, forecasts, etc.)
• Execute existing reports and design/implement new reports as necessary or required.
• Assist in the determination of monthly purchases to facilitate control of inventory based on projected customer demand.
• Determine current and new vehicle specifications and pricing based on market conditions.
• Maintain records of inventory and ensure that all inventory is properly accounted for at all times.
• Take necessary action to maintain inventory in good working condition.
• Plan and implement incentives, monitor and approve as necessary.
• Set policies and procedures for the department to keep it working as efficiently as possible and to achieve or surpass agreed to KPIs.
• Address staff, customer concerns and complaints in a timely, effective and professional manner to maintain good standing and a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Any additional Administrative activities that may arise during your tenure as Brand Manager.

Marketing :

• Contribute towards overall brand marketing strategy with the Marketing Department.
• Ensure marketing plans are in line with the overall marketing strategy and brand guidelines.
• Study market trends and consumer preferences to understand customer expectations and adopt a suitable approach for brand management.
• Keep abreast of developments in the automotive market in the region. Maintain intelligence tab on market information and customer data.
• Prepare analyses and reports to facilitate overall decision-making on brand marketing.
• Ensure that the Company’s database for the brand is updated with all relevant customer information on a timely basis.
• Make improvements to the marketing activities as necessary.

Sales:

• Contribute towards overall sales strategy.
• Review and monitor sales plan implementation and results achieved, on a regular basis.
• Make changes to the strategy/ approach to adapt to changes in the business environment.
• Communicate sales plan and targets to the sales team and provide them sufficient training inputs, guidance and motivation to achieve targets successfully.
• Manage all aspects of the showroom to ensure high standards in the layout, display, housekeeping and product information to convey the desired image of the brand and the Company to potential purchasers.
• Plan, monitor and control activities of the sales force to achieve stated objectives and targets.
• Ensure sales representatives utilise at all times the provided CRM platform.
• Ensure that internal controls for all sales related activities are adhered to, that transactions are carried out in keeping with Company’s policies and procedures and in keeping with the requirements of the Dealer Management System.
• Monitor sales process (aspects such as initial customer contact and reception, clarification of need, identification of prospect, follow-up on initial contact, final closure of sale and quality of sales documentation) to ensure quality and transparency in the entire process.
• Ensure that Company’s policies and procedures relating to Anti Money-Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) are adhered to and that Know Your Customer (KYC) forms are completed in full and on a timely basis.
• Make improvements to the Sales activities as necessary.

Human Resources:

• Develop team spirit among sales team and support staff to create an environment that will build and foster professionalism and good relations at all levels.
• Assist in the recruitment and training of sales and related personnel.
• Manage employee comments, questions and concerns related to the brand.

HSS&E:

• Ensure that the company’s HSS&E management system and the Occupational Health, Safety, Security and Environment is adhered to at all times.

New Vehicle Brand relationship:

• Maintain close liaison with other Brand Managers and other Managers, as required to achieve proper co-ordination of activities.

Other:

• Deal with critical problems, major customer complaints or issues that may be escalated and ensure prompt action or decisions for timely resolution.
• Establish and maintain a network of business contacts and relationships within the market to increase market awareness, obtain market/competitor intelligence and customer preference information.
• Provide reports to Brand Director on a regular basis.
• Comply with the rules/guidance outlined in the Management Charter.

Qualifications and Experience:

• BSc in Business Management/Marketing or similar qualifications.
• Diploma in Customer Relationship Management/Human Resource Management is a definite asset.
• Diploma and or working knowledge of inventory systems.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a similar position.
• Experience in conducting S.W.O.T analysis and producing such reports is a definite asset.
• Demonstrated experience in a highly competitive industry.
• An excellent appreciation for policies and procedures gained via working experience.
• An appreciation for goal setting and achievement and how it fits within the company.
• Demonstrated ability in leading and motivating a varied team.
• Working knowledge of the full range of Microsoft office suite.

Job Ref: KG