David Benjamin

Results-driven and highly strategic Area Sales Manager with 17 years of solid experience driving sales performance, managing key accounts, and executing route-to-market strategies across challenging environments. A multilingual leader (fluent in English, Hausa, and Idoma) with a proven track record of bridging the gap between high-level strategy and field execution. Expert at building sustainable market growth, maximizing territory profitability, and coaching high-performance, cross-functional teams under pressure.

Area Sales Manager / Territory Sales Leader - PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL/BRAND REVELATIONS (BRGSL)

(2022-01)

• Drive Sales Performance: Deliver regional business volume objectives by consistently achieving monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets across all company SKUs
• Key Account & Distributor Management: Manage key accounts, build robust relationships with distributors, wholesalers, and major trade partners, and provide clear target structures to maximize channel rebates.
• Route-to-Market Strategy: Oversee Route-to-Consumer initiatives, driving the execution of sales driver objectives (QVDP3) at retail and wholesale levels to expand market share and beat competition.
• Team Leadership & Coaching: Recruit, train, mentor, and structurally coach distributors, internal staff and downline tams on inventory management and Wholesale management Systems.
• Financial & Strategic Planning: Support distributors in developing Annual Business Plans and P&L account reports, ensuring optimal financial health and territory profitability.

Sales Professional - NIGERIAN BREWERIES/ BRAND REVELATION MARKETING AGENCY

(2015-01 - 2021-12)

• KPI Monitoring & Tracking: Monitored key performance indicators (KPIs), using dedicated sales applications to track stock rotation (stock-in/stock-out) and ensure product availability at the distributor level.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Acted as the primary operational liaison between senior management, local sales agents, and field LARs to ensure seamless execution of market activities.
• Market Analysis & Reporting: Conducted extensive fieldwork, analyzed market trends, and prepared comprehensive sales and progress reports for management.

Sales Professional - IMOSE TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

(2013-01 - 2015-12)

• Trade Marketing & Brand Visibility: Executed trade marketing activities and oversaw strict merchandising standards across retail outlets to maximize brand visibility and consumer recommendation.
• Market Share Growth: Identified new business opportunities, driving market share by recruiting, registering, and onboarding new retailers into the distribution network.
• Customer Relationship Management: Handled and resolved retailer complaints promptly via a dedicated help desk, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
• Product Knowledge Advocacy: Educated and trained retailers on all Imose SKUs, empowering them to drive higher sales volumes.

Field Sales Supervisor - PROMASIDOR NG/ FIELDPRO MARKETING AGENCY

(2009-01 - 2012-12)

• Field Sales Supervisor: Managed regional Field Sales Forces to achieve strict Joint Business Plans (JBP), Return on Investment (ROI), and Profit and Loss (P&L) targets with regional distributors.
• Capability Building: Enhanced sales force capability and developed future leaders by driving targeted recruitment, training, and competency development.
• Trade Execution: Led open market sales progress and directed merchandising efforts alongside the strategic deployment of Point-of-Sale Materials (POSM).

Sales Professional - BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO [BAT] KANO - Kano

(2003-01 - 2008-12)

• Route-to-Market Development: Pioneer-developed virgin rural markets and expanded distribution channels, significantly increasing market penetration for existing and new products
• Team Leadership & Deployment: Managed and motivated a high-performing field team consisting of 5 salesmen and 10 brand ambassadors to meet strict sales parameters.
• Innovative Sales Strategy: Initiated and executed the tactical street-to-street hawking strategy for St. Morris Menthol Sales, securing a successful product launch in the Kano market.

Bachelor of Science - Criminology and Security Studies - National Open University of Nigeria (2020-12)

National Diploma - Business Administration - Kano State Polytechnic, Kano, Nigeria (2008-12)