Asia Area Manager, Global Travel Retail

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Asia Area Manager, Global Travel Retail (Wine & Spirits / Tobacco)

A leading global manufacturer with a rich heritage in tobacco, renowned for premium cigarillos and representing a premium cigar brand in Asia, is seeking a dynamic Asia Manager, Global Travel Retail. This role focuses on driving sales and brand visibility in Asia Duty Free markets, aligning with the Global Travel Retail strategy. The candidate will execute strategic sales and marketing initiatives for multiple premium tobacco brands, ensuring compliance with tobacco regulations and fostering strong customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Drive distribution, visibility, and sales growth for premium cigarillo and cigar brands in key Asia Duty Free locations, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, and Kuala Lumpur (airports and border shops).

• Ensure availability of core product assortments and optimize space allocation in permanent cabinets and displays.

• Develop and implement an annual sales plan, managing sales and marketing investments in line with the defined Asia Duty Free strategy.

• Conduct trainings, tobacco seminars, and forums to enhance brand image and product understanding among retailers and consumers (where legally permitted).

• Establish and negotiate pricing structures to meet margin targets and provide quarterly KPI updates.

• Enhance hard-selling programs in Duty Free markets where allowed and manage stock planning to ensure inventory availability.

• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Supply, and Finance teams, maintaining strong stakeholder relationships to achieve business objectives.

• Conduct regular market visits (2-3 days per week) to support commercial teams, importers, and distributors, ensuring executional excellence.

• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for tobacco in all activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred in Business, Sales, Marketing, or equivalent.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in sales, with a focus on Asia and Greater China Travel Retail, preferably in premium FMCG sectors (e.g., tobacco, wine, spirits).

• Proven experience in sales management, customer management, and key account management within the Travel Retail industry.

• Hands-on experience managing multiple brands across several countries, with a strong understanding of Asia Duty Free markets; China Duty Free experience is a plus.

• Ability to develop clear sales plans, mobilize resources effectively, and achieve objectives while adhering to KPI reporting.

• Strong communication skills with fluency in spoken and written Mandarin and English; Cantonese is an advantage.

• Resilient, results-oriented, and entrepreneurial with a hands-on mentality, cross-cultural competence, and a passion for building premium brands.

• Flexible and willing to travel frequently (over 50%) for market visits, project implementation, and distributor support.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a non-corporate environment, with a positive attitude and a sense of humor.

Apply / Refer a Friend

Interested parties, please send your CV / LinkedIn profile to Scarlett Chan at [email protected] or apply directly.

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Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.