Customer Development Partner

A leading FMCG multinational organisation is seeking a Customer Development Partner to join their Sales team in Penang.

This role offers you the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with dedicated outlets, wholesalers, and customers, while playing a pivotal part in driving sales execution and customer engagement. You will be empowered to shape volume fulfilment strategies, manage account risks, and contribute to the growth of a renowned portfolio. The company values your interpersonal skills and commitment to nurturing connections, providing a supportive environment where your expertise in planning and communication will be celebrated. With flexible working opportunities and ongoing training, this position is ideal for someone who thrives on collaboration and enjoys being at the heart of market activity.

• You will have the chance to develop and implement sales strategies that directly impact business growth, allowing you to see tangible results from your efforts.
• The organisation fosters an inclusive culture with supportive leadership, offering flexible working opportunities and generous pension contributions to ensure your well-being.
• Your role will involve regular interaction with customers and marketing teams, giving you valuable exposure across departments and enhancing your professional network.

What you'll do:

As a Customer Development Partner, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant world of sales execution by developing strategies that drive volume fulfilment across dedicated outlets and wholesalers. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include forecasting demand data, setting targeted sales activities aligned with segmentation guidelines, recruiting new outlets for promotional campaigns, managing account risks related to AR collection and credit limits, consulting customers on product offerings, monitoring competitor activity, and reporting key developments to the Sales Manager. Success in this role hinges on your ability to nurture relationships through regular interactions with customers, collaborate closely with marketing teams on promotional activities, resolve claims efficiently, manage A&P funds responsibly, and provide insightful analysis on outlet recruitment or conversion plans. Your proactive approach will ensure contract claims are settled promptly while maximising profitability through improved product mix.

• Develop comprehensive volume fulfilment strategies and plans based on targets for covered customer accounts, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Forecast and analyse demand data for wholesalers and outlets to optimise inventory levels and maximise sales potential.
• Set monthly and weekly sales activities for outlets according to segmentation guidelines, ensuring targeted approaches for each customer group.
• Recruit new outlets for promotions, manage existing ones effectively, and actively seek opportunities to expand the customer base.
• Achieve key performance indicators as allocated by the Sales Manager through diligent execution of sales activities and relationship management.
• Monitor wholesalers’ account risk by overseeing AR collection processes and credit limits, maintaining financial health within the portfolio.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers through regular sales calls, fostering trust and loyalty while addressing their needs promptly.
• Consult customers regarding product listings, price adjustments, product features, and promotion information to support informed decision-making.
• Follow established sales activity guidelines in terms of call frequency and quality, tailored to outlet segmentation requirements.
• Check, monitor, and consistently report all competitors’ activities and promotions to ensure market awareness and strategic response.

What you bring:

To excel as a Customer Development Partner in Penang, you will bring proven experience from fast-moving consumer goods environments where relationship-building is paramount. Your background should reflect a deep understanding of commercial operations supported by formal business qualifications. Fluency in English and ideally Mandarin or other Chinese dialects will enable you to connect authentically with diverse stakeholders. Your planning skills must be complemented by an organised approach that keeps you responsive to evolving market demands. Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools is crucial for handling reports efficiently. You should possess an entrepreneurial spirit that drives you towards identifying new avenues for customer acquisition while maintaining sensitivity towards client needs. Your energetic disposition will help foster positive interactions during night channel engagements. Market awareness is key; it allows you to anticipate competitor moves and adapt strategies accordingly. Above all else, your commitment to collaborative teamwork ensures that every initiative is executed smoothly within a supportive environment.

• Degree holder with formal business qualifications or equivalent experience is essential for understanding commercial operations.
• Three to five years of relevant sales experience within leading multinational fast-moving consumer goods companies demonstrates your industry knowledge.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English is required.
• Outstanding planning abilities coupled with strong communication skills are vital for managing night channel operations successfully.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint ensures you can handle reporting tasks efficiently.
• Good data analysis ability enables you to interpret market trends accurately for strategic decision-making.
• Organised approach combined with result orientation helps you stay focused on achieving targets consistently.
• Entrepreneurial mindset allows you to identify new opportunities for growth within the customer base.
• Energetic personality who enjoys nightlife supports engagement with clients during evening hours when necessary.
• Market awareness paired with competitive insight empowers you to respond proactively to industry changes.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a global leader committed to nurturing talent through continuous training opportunities and flexible working arrangements. Employees benefit from generous pension contributions that secure their future while enjoying access to knowledgeable colleagues who share insights freely across departments. The company’s inclusive culture encourages sharing ideas openly, ensuring everyone feels valued regardless of background or experience level. Supportive leadership provides guidance without micromanagement so you can grow professionally at your own pace. With a focus on communal success rather than individual competition, this workplace prioritises empathy, kindness, and inter-personal connection among its team members. You’ll find yourself surrounded by dependable peers who are always ready to lend support or collaborate on challenging projects. The organisation’s commitment to responsible business practices means every employee has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact both locally in Penang and globally within its extensive network.

What's next:

If you are enthusiastic about building lasting relationships while contributing meaningfully within a supportive team environment, this is your opportunity - apply now!

Apply today by sending your CV to desmond.khoo@robertwalters.com.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C