We are looking for a proactive Channel Manager - Candyland responsible for overall health of the channel including sales growth, brand visibility, and retail execution. This role requires a deep understanding of shopper behaviour, retail dynamics, and category management to create and implement high-impact trade activations in respective channels.

Responsibilities:
· Develop and implement go-to-market strategies for assigned channels aligned with brand objectives and revenue goals
· Identify clear objectives for the channel and develop Channel Picture of Success (PICOS)
· Conduct channel analysis and identify growth opportunities for respective channel
· Drive initiatives to increase numeric distribution as well as sock depth in the channel
· Plan and execute in-store activations, point-of-sale materials (POSM), and merchandising strategies to enhance visibility
· Lead the execution of trade promotions, ensuring alignment with retailer and distributor needs
· Develop planograms for their respective channels
· Identify prime shelf space, secondary displays, and gondola placements and work with sales team to successfully negotiate and lock right places in store
· Drive consumer engagement programs such as loyalty campaigns, in-store tastings, and digital trade activations
· Develop channel plans in alignment with marketing campaigns and ensure timely execution for successful campaigns
· Monitor and analyze channels sales data and KPIs
· Ensure stock sufficiency for the channel to reduce out of stock situations
· Leverage external data insights (e.g. from Nielsen etc) and internal sales tracking systems to identify growth opportunities
· Conduct trade investment ROI analysis, ensuring high-impact spending and performance optimization
· Provide competitor benchmarking insights, identifying category trends and shopper preferences
· Conduct regular market visits and trade audits to assess in-store compliance and execution effectiveness
· Manage and optimize trade marketing budgets, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources
· Track and improve trade promotion effectiveness (TPE) by reducing inefficiencies and optimizing pricing strategies
· Work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless execution
· Lead channel teams. Develop and execute team capability development plans

Skills:
· Strong analytical skills with expertise in external and internal sales analytics
· Experience managing large-scale budgets and optimizing trade spend investments
· Leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams 
· Experience working with FMCG brands and large-scale retail chains
· Strong understanding of Shopper Marketing as well as Trade Marketing concepts
· Previous experience in managing and executing trade and channel plans