JOB DESCRIPTION: Area Manager

Nature of the position

Management position leading the deployment of in-market programs and platform building (venues and events) under the direction of the Program Director and Program Manager.

Main missions and purposes of the position

Provides a conduit for communication between the in-market staff and the Program Director and Program Manager; Leads in planning for success with a local perspective. Drives the critical strategic commercial projects in a market; Builds strong, flexible teams and manages their execution and efficiency; Communicates effectively with team members and leadership; implements visual merchandising; Works with Leadership on events contracting, activation, and relationship building.

Missions and activities

MISSION: Develops and maintains communication with the Program Director and Program Manager:

-         Provides program and platform progress, challenges, and achievements to Program Director and Program Manager.

-         Directs questions and concerns about program operations to the Program Director and Program Manager.

-         Conducts monthly meetings with direct reports.

MISSION: Collaborate with the Program Director, Program Manager, and staff to assure a high-quality execution of the established strategic plan for Brand Retail & Events. This involves setting clear goals and establishing a roadmap for successful implementation:

-         Works closely with various stakeholders to allocate necessary resources for program implementation at the local level.

-         Regularly reviews Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with the team, assesses upcoming targets, and takes necessary actions to optimize team performance.

-         Recruits and builds an effective field team, ensuring high motivation and low turnover.

-         Briefs the team on brand and channel priorities, oversees day-to-day program execution, makes necessary adjustments, and provides feedback and field training to enhance consumer engagement quality.

-         Implements and supports safety and security protocols.

-         Plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of feedback and coaching within the team.

-         Regularly provides constructive feedback to team members to help them grow and improve their performance.

MISSION: Manages the execution of program activities:

-         Ensures that program activities align with the established objectives and timelines.

-         Activates personal network to identify new opportunities to enter communities.

-         Supports leadership in fostering local relationships and providing networking leads together with negotiations and relationship building.

-         Sources Venues and Event locations on behalf of leadership, makes introductions, and closes out opportunities.

-         Assists the Program Manager with warehousing.

-         Prospects and visits market sites with staff.

-         Supports implementation of Company’s Workforce Management Tools to create schedules, engages in communication, and reviews time and attendance for payroll purposes, supports hiring process.

-         Follows Company Standard Operating Procedures and Retail Operations Guidebook

MISSION: Establishes logistics mechanisms to support program delivery.

-         Communicates logistical needs for warehousing in-take and out-take.

-         Manages in-market deliveries of assets ensuring on-time and appropriate deliveries to retail or event fronts in the region.

Complexities of the position

Multi-level communications.

-         Manages the communications up and down the chain of command

Works with local and state governmental agencies

Position Profile

The Area Manager must know the following: 

-         Relevant state, local, and national regulatory and legal guidelines concerning tobacco consumption. 

-         Guidelines on the marketing of legal aged nicotine consumers. 

-         Effective communication techniques 

-         Appropriate time management principles 

-         Understanding of logistical operations 

The essential competencies (or soft skills) of an Area Manager are:

-         Leadership

-         Communication

-         Networking and negotiation

-         People management

-         PMO skills,

-         Cultural,  

-         Competence,

-         Collaboration and teamwork,

-         Time management,

-         Adaptability,

-         Problem-solving,

-         Decision-making

-         Relationship building 

Education:

-         Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Management, or related field.

-         Work experience: Minimum 8+ years of experience working in relevant marketing field (brand, consumer activation, field marketing)

-         Minimum 2 years’ experience in managerial position.