Area Sales Manager

Job Summary:

Lactalis India is looking for an experienced and driven Area Sales Manager to lead MSME-focused sales operations for its dairy product portfolio in the Kolkata region. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in FMCG/dairy sales, proven leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of MSME market dynamics.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Market Development

• Drive sales of dairy products (milk, curd, paneer, butter, ghee, etc.) across MSME clients.
• Develop and implement regional sales strategies to meet volume and revenue targets.
• Identify and onboard new MSME clients including small retailers, food processors, and institutional buyers.

Team Leadership

• Lead and manage a team of Territory Sales Officers and Executives.
• Conduct regular training, performance reviews, and field visits.
• Foster a results-driven and customer-focused team culture.

Channel & Client Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with distributors, retailers, and MSME clients.
• Monitor channel performance and optimize distribution efficiency.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and timely issue resolution.

Market Intelligence & Reporting

• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback.
• Provide actionable insights to senior management.
• Prepare and present weekly/monthly sales reports and forecasts.

Operational Coordination

• Ensure smooth coordination with logistics, finance, and production teams.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely product availability.
• Adhere to food safety and regulatory compliance standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Business, Marketing, Agriculture, or Dairy Technology.
• 8–12 years of experience in FMCG or dairy product sales, preferably with MSME exposure.
• Experience in managing regional sales teams and achieving business targets.

Skills Required:

• Strong understanding of dairy product categories and MSME market dynamics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in CRM tools, Excel, and data analysis.
• Strategic thinking and ability to work under pressure