Business Head - Retail & Distribution - FMCG/Fertilizer/Building Material/Manufacturing - Rural Market

Business Head (Retail & Distribution Rural Market)

Job Overview:

The Business Head for Manufacturing company will be responsible for overseeing the business's retail and distribution strategy in rural India. This role requires a leader with in depth knowledge of rural markets, strong sales and distribution experience, and a proven track record in the manufacturing industry. The ideal candidate will drive strategic growth by optimizing product availability, building strong distributor networks, and tailoring sales strategies to meet the unique needs of rural customers.

Key Responsibilities:

- Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the overall strategy to expand the reach of our building materials in rural markets. Identify growth opportunities, emerging markets, and new channels to drive revenue.

- Sales and Distribution Management: Lead the sales and distribution teams to ensure effective coverage of rural markets. Develop and manage relationships with retailers, distributors, and contractors to drive sales and build brand presence in targeted regions.

- Market Penetration & Expansion: Identify and develop new distribution channels, including local retail outlets, and ensure the product is accessible to the rural customer base. Develop regional sales strategies to enhance market penetration.

- Product Positioning: Customize product offerings (pricing, packaging, and promotional strategies) to suit the needs of rural customers. Collaborate with marketing teams to create impactful, localized marketing campaigns.

- Retail Network Development: Strengthen the retail and distribution network by establishing partnerships with local businesses, managing relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring a steady supply of products to retail outlets.

- Team Management & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop the sales, distribution, and marketing teams. Set clear sales targets, performance metrics, and KPIs to track progress and ensure team effectiveness.

- Supply Chain Coordination: Work closely with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure smooth and timely delivery of products to rural markets. Manage inventory levels to prevent stock-outs or overstocking.

- Market Intelligence & Reporting: Monitor market trends, customer feedback, and competitive activities. Use data to refine sales strategies, improve product offerings, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field (MBA or Master's degree preferred).

- 15+ years of experience in sales, business development, or distribution management, with at least 5+ years in a leadership role in the FMCG/ Fertilizers / Building materials/ Any manufacturing industry.

- Proven expertise in retail and distribution channel management, particularly in rural or semi-urban markets across India.

- Strong understanding of the building materials industry, including market dynamics, key players, and customer needs in rural areas.

- Experience in managing large, dispersed teams and working with multiple stakeholders (distributors, contractors, retailers).

- Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment and adapt to market challenges.

- Data-driven mindset with the ability to analyze market data, customer insights, and sales performance to make informed decisions.

What We Offer:

- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.

- An opportunity to be part of a growing and dynamic company in the manufacturing sector.

- Leadership role with the chance to drive significant impact and growth in rural markets.

- A collaborative, innovative, and supportive work environment.

- Opportunities for career growth and professional development.