The Star Publication Limited is one of Kenya’s leading newspaper publishers that produces The Star newspaper. We are looking for an experienced individual in frontline sales in digital space, FMCG/ Services Team Leader with a track record of performance and seeking to progress a career. Applicants with ICT Skills and Distribution background are encouraged to apply.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the incumbent will be tasked with leading the circulation team, growing revenues and ensure efficiency in newspaper distribution countrywide.  

The Circulation Team Leader will proactively and systematically monitor news outlets, distribution network with the help of the distribution partners countrywide along with identifying and breaking new business, developing strategic plans for driving circulation / increasing sales of both print and digital copies. S/he will work with the advertising sales teams across our Radio Africa Brands to tap into opportunities for driving our circulation.

 

• Generating annual, monthly, weekly and daily copy sales forecast in line with the demand requirements maintaining a low return level while at the same time driving growth
• Carrying out regular sales meeting with the staff to review sales progress, maintain good employee relations and ensure highest degree of moral and discipline that provides result driven leadership
• Carrying out weekly agents and vendor business review and discuss with the sales team their daily plans , giving them guidance and accompany then on sales field trips
• Maintaining contacts with trade partners, distributors, agents and vendors, follow up and resolve challenges facing them
• Identifying new ideas for business development on market penetration and growth and discussing them with the Chief Operations Officer and plans for their implementation through the team
• Maintaining close relationship with editorial and production to ensure set deadlines and early arrival are met as they affect returns levels hence sales
• Making daily, weekly and monthly sales and collection reports to the Chief Operations Officer.
• Overall management of the circulation sales team countrywide
• Management of sales, returns and debts which translates to the departmental revenue performance
• Monitor circulation competition on a daily basis and coming up with strategies to ensure volume growth
• Overall management of distributors countrywide in terms of sales, returns and early market arrivals and ensuring feedback between the distributors, agents and credit control on claims and general day to day business complains and ensuring good business relationship
• Monitoring administrative activities in the department to ensure adequate control and cost effectiveness in all areas such as operational expenses and utilization of materials
• Monitoring and evaluating subscription section as way of ensuring we have quality customer service in the department
• Monitor the performance of and dispatch of copies to CBD Vendors
• Participate in recruitment of Circulation staff in consultation with the HR Department

 

• Lead and own all Circulation marketing  elated needs of the Star - Distributors, Direct /Key Agents, Subscription and Single copy sales.
• Lead the circulation team of the Star Newspaper and Distributors to achieve a Circulation Driven Strategy to increase volumes both digital and print.
• Action all the market related plans with respect to distribution and visibility of the Star Newspaper.
• Act as specialist and understand the sales opportunities for the Star products both print and digital.
• Competitive tracking and analysis to identify and pursue target accounts.
• Sell Star products (print & digital) and solutions to new strategic alliance partners and customers, establishing and growing relationships with large corporates / brands. 
• Strategize with Sales Team and other Publishers on Mgazeti to grow overall circulation revenue.
• Prospect and identify digital sales, subscription leads and opportunities.
• Work with advertising sales and marketing team to create and package print and digital solutions and opportunities to drive circulation.
• Achieve sales targets for bulk sales.
• Reports to Chief Operating Officer
• Duties and responsibilities may be adjusted based on years of experience. 
• Salary is also commensurate with experience.

• At least 3 - 4 years in a similar position in the media or FMCG. 
• Understanding of the alliances and digital sales function. 
• Ability to develop custom marketing proposals and ideas. 
• Proficiency in Power point and Excel.

• Excellent leadership skills
• Flexible with strong coordinating and communication skills
• Excellent reporting skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good coaching and mentoring skills
• Ability to multi task
• Ability to keep abreast of the latest business trends and information and seize opportunities
• Impeccable personal integrity

 

The Star Publication Limited is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will offer a competitive package to the successful candidate. If you match the above qualifications and requirements you may apply so as to reach us on or by 20^th October 2020. Please include your daytime telephone number and names and contact telephone and email address of 3 professional referees as well as your current and expected gross salary. We regret that in light of anticipated numerous applications, only short listed candidates will be contacted.