Trade Marketing Manager – FMCG

Transguard Workforce Solutions is the UAE's leading provider of unique and innovative HR solutions. With a decade of experience in the region and a team that possesses extensive knowledge of the market, we provide a fully integrated HR solution.

We are currently recruiting for a
Trade Marketing Manager – FMCG
or our client to be based out of their Dubai Office.

Purpose-

The Trade Marketing Manager plays a strategic and operational role in aligning the company's principals (brand partners) with sales execution in the UAE market.

This position is responsible for turning brand objectives into trade and channel strategies that drive visibility, profitability, and sustainable growth across all business divisions — Food and Non-Food.

The Trade Marketing Manager will also oversee sales performance, budgeting, forecasting, trade spend efficiency, promotional profitability, and pricing strategy, ensuring each initiative contributes to both brand equity and business results.

Key Responsibilities-

Brand & Principal Alignment

• Act as the key contact between the company and brand principals to ensure alignment on marketing and Trade marketing plans, product launches, and annual business objectives.
• Translate brand marketing strategies into actionable trade and sales plans for all channels.
• Coordinate with principals on promotional calendars, visibility campaigns, and product innovation rollouts.

Trade & Channel Strategy

• Develop and implement channel-specific trade marketing and activation strategies for Modern Trade, General Trade, Petrol Stations, HORECA, and E-commerce.
• Lead planning and execution of in-store activations, displays, and visibility programs to strengthen brand presence and consumer engagement.
• Ensure consistency of brand messaging, planogram compliance, and on-shelf excellence across channels.

Sales, Forecasting & Budget Control

• Oversee sales forecasts by channel and brand in collaboration with sales and commercial teams.
• Manage annual trade marketing budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and cost control.
• Monitor and report on sales performance versus targets, identifying gaps and proposing corrective actions.
• Support sales in achieving channel KPIs through data-driven initiatives and timely market insights.

Trade Spend & Promotion Management

• Own and manage trade spend budgets for all channels, ensuring proper allocation and utilization.
• Evaluate promotional profitability and ROI for all activations and campaigns.
• Identify underperforming promotions and propose improved structures or alternatives.
• Ensure full financial tracking, control, and documentation of all trade marketing investments.

Pricing & Profitability

• Develop and monitor pricing strategies across brands and channels, ensuring competitiveness and alignment with brand positioning.
• Coordinate with finance and principals on price changes, discounts, and promotional mechanics.
• Ensure healthy margins while maintaining strong value perception for consumers and trade partners.

Market Intelligence & Growth

• Conduct continuous market analysis to identify growth opportunities, consumer trends, and competitive movements.
• Recommend new activation or expansion opportunities based on market insights and performance data.
• Present regular performance reviews and business updates to management and brand partners.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure end-to-end execution of plans.
• Provide sales teams with clear direction, activation tools, and promotional guidelines.
• Support new product launches with pricing, distribution, and visibility planning.

Requirements-

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• 5–8 years of FMCG experience, including at least 3 years in a trade marketing or commercial management role.
• Proven experience managing budgets, trade spend, and promotional ROI.
• Strong understanding of UAE retail, wholesale, and e-commerce trade environments.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and data-driven reporting.
• Commercially minded, detail-oriented, and results-driven.