Job Summary:

The Distributor Manager is responsible for developing and executing sales strategies through a network of authorized distributors to achieve sales targets and increase market share for L'Oréal Professionnel products within a defined geographic territory via Distributor Partners. This role requires a strong understanding of distributor management, sales principles, and the beauty/cosmetics/salon market, along with excellent relationship-building and analytical skills. The Distributor Manager will act as the primary point of contact for distributors, ensuring they have the resources, training, and support needed to successfully represent and sell L'Oréal Professionnel products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Distributor Relationship Management:
  • Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key personnel at distributor locations.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for distributors, addressing their inquiries, concerns, and requests promptly and effectively.
  • Conduct regular business reviews with distributors to assess performance, identify opportunities, routing plan and develop joint action plans.
  • Ensure distributors adhere to L'Oréal Professionnel brand standards, policies, and procedures.
• Sales and Business Development:
  • Develop and implement sales strategies and plans to achieve or exceed sales targets within the assigned territory through the distributor network.
  • Set sales goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for each distributor, monitoring their progress and providing coaching and support to improve performance.
  • Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth and develop strategic initiatives.
  • Work with distributors to expand their customers/salons base and increase sales penetration.
  • A dynamic go-to-market. Introduce new products and promotions to distributors, providing training and support to ensure successful launches.
• Inventory Management and Logistics:
  • Collaborate with distributors to optimize inventory levels, ensuring adequate product availability while minimizing excess stock.
  • Monitor distributor inventory levels and sales forecasts to anticipate potential stockouts or overstock situations.
  • Work with the supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely and efficient delivery of products to distributors.
• Training and Education:
  • Provide comprehensive product knowledge and sales training to distributor sales teams and staff.
  • Conduct on-site training sessions, workshops, and product demonstrations to enhance distributor capabilities.
  • Keep distributors informed about new product developments, marketing campaigns, and industry trends.
• Marketing and Promotion:
  • Collaborate with Loreal Professionnel brand/marketing team to develop and implement marketing programs and promotions to support distributor sales efforts.
  • Ensure distributors are effectively utilizing marketing materials and resources to promote L’Oréal Professional products.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and provide feedback to the marketing team.
• Reporting and Analysis:
  • Prepare regular sales reports, forecasts, and performance analyses for management review.
  • Track distributor sales data, market trends, and competitor activities.
  • Provide insights and recommendations to improve sales performance and market share.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Development, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in sales, distributor management, or account management, preferably in the beauty, cosmetics, salons or consumer goods industry.
• Proven track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets.
• Strong understanding of distributor business models and sales strategies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, Word).
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within the assigned territory.