Team Lead

Job Overview

True North Uganda is seeking an experienced Team Lead to oversee merchandising and sales execution for client products at store level. This role focuses on achieving set sales turnover targets while ensuring maximum product availability at optimal cost. The position requires strong leadership to manage field teams and coordinate with store managers effectively.

As Team Lead, you will be responsible for communicating store KPIs, overseeing execution of the 6Ps, and ensuring planogram compliance. You will work closely with merchandisers, field sales representatives, and brand promoters to drive sales growth through demand creation and in-store activations. The role demands continuous monitoring of sales targets and regular benchmarking against best practices.

This position reports to the Field Manager/Project Manager and operates within the Greater Africa Business Unit. You will interface internally with merchandisers, field sales representatives, and brand promoters, while externally engaging with store managers and distributors. Success in this role requires balancing operational excellence with team development to unlock growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate and ensure team understanding of set store KPIs through regular briefings and performance tracking sessions.
• Oversee the execution and achievement of agreed store KPIs by monitoring daily performance and providing corrective guidance.
• Coordinate with store managers to unlock store-specific challenges affecting KPI achievement through collaborative problem-solving.
• Ensure execution of 6Ps at store level including product, placement, promotion, price, people, and presentation standards.
• Oversee management of shelf health through stock replenishment, facings maintenance, and planogram integrity checks.
• Ensure implementation and monitoring of planograms at store level by conducting regular audits and providing feedback to teams.
• Ensure effective implementation of promotional activities by supervising setup, monitoring compliance, and measuring impact.
• Oversee execution of in-store activations as per agreed activation plans, ensuring timely delivery and brand consistency.
• Provide communication regarding set sales targets to respective team members through clear goal setting and progress updates.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate set sales targets to ensure achievement by analyzing performance data and adjusting strategies.
• Ensure sales volume growth through demand creation by identifying opportunities and implementing targeted merchandising strategies.
• Conduct client-specific in-store audits to assess compliance, identify gaps, and recommend improvements for optimal execution.
• Continuously benchmark and optimize sales achievement processes against best practice by studying industry trends and adapting methods.
• Provide regular feedback to Line Manager on team performance, challenges faced, and opportunities for improvement in the territory.
• Partner with distributors, account managers, and other partners to meet and exceed sales growth targets through aligned planning.
• Maintain detailed sales target control by tracking actual versus planned performance and documenting variances for analysis.
• Address and follow-up all customer queries and problems promptly to maintain satisfaction and prevent escalation of issues.
• Stay abreast of the market and competitors by gathering intelligence, attending trade events, and analyzing competitive activities.
• Meet client/customer and company performance standards by ensuring all activities align with agreed service levels and quality benchmarks.
• Escalate any issues that remain unsolved to respective line manager with clear documentation and recommended resolution paths.
• Conduct quarterly business review sessions with clients to unlock growth opportunities through data-driven insights and strategic planning.
• Ensure all information is cascaded effectively down to team members through consistent communication channels and follow-up mechanisms.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in field sales, merchandising, or retail operations management.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and managing teams to deliver consistent performance improvements.
• Strong understanding of FMCG retail operations, including planogram compliance, stock management, and promotional execution.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and experience with sales tracking and reporting tools commonly used in Ugandan market.

Desirable

• Experience working with multinational FMCG companies in East Africa or similar emerging markets.
• Certification in sales management, merchandising, or retail operations from a recognized professional body.
• Knowledge of local Ugandan consumer behavior patterns and regional market variations across different territories.
• Experience with digital sales tools, mobile data collection, or CRM systems used for field force automation.
• Fluency in Luganda or other local languages in addition to English for effective team communication.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting business reviews and presenting growth strategies to senior client stakeholders.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive monthly salary commensurate with experience, plus performance-based bonuses tied to team and territory achievement.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage including inpatient and outpatient benefits for employee and immediate dependents.
• Monthly transport and fuel allowance to facilitate effective territory coverage and store visits across Kampala region.
• Provision of lunch allowance or subsidized meals during field workdays to support sustained productivity in the field.
• Opportunities for professional development through training programs, workshops, and potential career progression within True North Uganda.
• Company-provided mobile phone and airtime for seamless communication with team members, clients, and partners.
• Performance recognition programs including employee of the month awards and annual excellence celebrations.

How to Apply

Please submit your updated CV, copies of academic certificates and professional qualifications, and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the Team Lead role. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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