Vusumzi Keith

Dynamic and self-motivated Sales and Marketing professional with over 15 years of progressive experience in merchandising, sales execution, team leadership, and customer service within the FMCG retail space. Adept at building lasting relationships with key retail partners such as Pick n Pay, Spar, Boxer, Shoprite, Clicks, and Dischem. Strong skills in strategic planning, operational oversight, and workforce management.

Currently leading a team of 19 merchandisers while managing over 64 retail stores across the Cape Flats. Passionate about retail excellence, improving customer experience, and driving revenue growth.

Area Marketer - AVI Field Marketing - Cape Flats Region

(2011-01)

Covering 64 retail outlets: Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Clicks, Dischem, Spar

• Manage and mentor a team of 19 merchandisers ensuring peak field performance and adherence to in-store standards.
• Collaborate with regional and area sales managers to define business unit requirements and execute promotional campaigns.
• Maintain full responsibility for payroll management and planning of annual and sick leave for team members.
• Conduct regular customer visits, handling escalated complaints and resolving product/service issues.
• Develop quarterly sales strategies and lead implementation to exceed set performance benchmarks.
• Engage in sales negotiations, closing deals on new product lines and shelf space expansions.
• Administer call cycles for team members, optimizing store visit frequency and coverage.
• Conduct price surveys and stock audits to provide insights into market positioning and competitor trends.
• Ensure compliance with waste reduction strategies, minimizing expired stock and returns.

Field Marketer - Visual Merchandising Services (VMS)

(2009-01 - 2011-12)

• Managed order placements and returns for various retailers, ensuring availability of core SKUs.
• Built and maintained promotional and permanent off-shelf displays across multiple stores.
• Rotated stock and performed inventory checks to support accurate on-shelf availability.
• Communicated promotional initiatives to store management and coordinated display setup.
• Provided relief coverage for permanent staff during leave periods across the region.
• Performed regular store visits across retail chains to ensure merchandising compliance.

Merchandiser / Relieve Field Marketer - Smollan Group

(2008-01 - 2009-12)

• Executed daily merchandising tasks including replenishment, facing, and shelf cleaning.
• Managed uplifting of expired or returned stock.
• Built relationships with store staff and management to ensure product visibility.
• Provided temporary relief for field staff, often covering multiple store locations.
• Negotiated on-shelf product displays and increased brand presence.

Diploma - Sales and Marketing - UNISA – University of South Africa (2019)

Grade 12 – Distance Learning - Y2K College (2019)