Brand ambassador proud to represent Coca-Cola in major Supermarkets
I started my career as a Graduate Management trainee with Next Retail plc learning the basics of retail, running various stores before joining the Head Office team in Sales and Marketing. I went on to enjoy Territory sales with various companies and then Region management as a trainer developer with BT Wifi, followed by events management with the Manchester Evening News. After taking redundancy and at just over 50 years old hoping to work closer to home, I joined Coca-Cola as a Grocery Merchandiser developing relationships with large Supermarkets. This role can be seen as a starting position for people hoping to further their careers before moving into Sales Executive positions but for me within twelve months with support and encouragement I was able to move to a territory closer to home so less commuting time and now train new starters to the business.
Grocery Merchandiser Coca-Cola
In my role I support Grocery (Supermarkets) Senior Account Executives who may have numerous large (Tesco Extra / Asda etc) plus smaller (Co-op / Express) stores in their territory and visit less frequently, I look after seven of their biggest stores and visit five per day (dependent on region and contracted hours).
It is a physical job, my key role is to ensure there are no 'Off Sales' from the shop floor which does mean bringing stock from the warehouse and building promotional displays but as a regular visitor I build relationships and deal with all levels of management, stock controllers and staff. It's a responsible position which requires people skills and effective communication to ensure you are regarded as part of their team, helping them out, increasing stock, gaining orders which will help drive revenue. You are not just any Rep and have a wealth of personal support from your team of other Merchandisers, Account Exec's and Team leaders including data and advice.
I am treated with respect by representing a respected valued Brand.
By developing my relationships I feel valued in store representing Coca-Cola as valued and Iconic Brand. We bring revenue, new products and social responsibility with great focus on leading the way in healthy options, sustainability, recycling and inclusion. I feel supported by my managers and colleagues with information which allows me to challenge any aspects I am not sure of, or questions I may be presented with I'm not sure how to answer.
Open your mind to the potential, ask for advice, take the training !
I joined the company without too much expectation and not ambitious. However my skill sets have been recognised, I have been supported and encouraged to share my achievements for best practice and to help others. I feel valued and engaged with both my colleagues and managers and enjoy the interaction with people of diversity of age, social and wide ranging backgrounds. It's all about collaboration and working together and any competition is for fun but with rewards.
I didn't think I'd be able to learn so much and pass this on to others
When I first joined the company I was a little overwhelmed by how much product information, systems and processes I had to learn. What were my priorities ? 'I'll never get this, I thought'... I'm going to fail within my first three months ! But I wasn't given the job to be assessed to fail. By being honest about the difficulties I faced, I was supported. My perceived failures were learning curves, my small achievements were applauded and passed on to team and senior managers. It wasn't just "We've all been through it" but more, "How can we help you go through it". After just over a year and a half with Coca-Cola, the focus is health, wellbeing, sustainability and inclusion to drive revenue responsibly. My greatest achievement is I now help train others joining the company.
