Lao Tobacco Limited (LTL) is an international Joint Venture established in 2001 between the Government of Lao PDR and Imperial Tobacco Group (ITG), the 4th largest tobacco group in the world with 38,000 employees in 130 countries.

LTL has 658 employees and works with people with a variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. LTL offers to the whole person through a culture of opportunity, competitive rewards, and work environment with flexibility for individuals and families. If this is the environment and career challenge you seek, please read on and join us.

Vacancy:     Brand Portfolio Manager
Report to:     Marketing & Sales Manager

Role Purpose:

To drive, supervise and monitor all marketing and brand strategies & plans to maximize short and long term sales volume, profit and market share, based on a deep understanding of consumer and shopper behaviour.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Optimize brand portfolio in terms of pricing, and positioning to the consumer. Make recommendations based on analysis and information available. Source consumer insight as required. Understand legislation impact on consumer.
2. Determine appropriate strategy to leverage the existing ITG global brand portfolio as a means of improving the Laos Tobacco Ltd portfolio of brands.
3. Ensure the correct structure, development, knowledge transfer & resourcing long term is in place for the success of Laos Tobacco marketing team.

1. Marketing Strategy & Objectives

• Develop and define the Lao portfolio strategy in line with the long term vision of the company and consumer trends, to meet LTL’s goals and brand objectives.

 
2. Brand Management and Development

• Identify long term opportunities within the market place using consumer research, and direct the exploratory and development plans to exploit them.
• Lead and manage the development of new brands/products for Laos and ensure the launches are managed to agreed parameters and standards.
• Monitor the performance of brands to ensure the agreed plans are properly executed within brand guidelines.
• Ensure development and implementation of all marketing ac¬tivities is consistent with Brand Guidelines and our International Marketing Standards.

3. Planning and Control

• Plan and propose annually, a marketing budget to ensure that each brand is effectively supported.
• Optimise communication with Cluster, Regional and Central Marketing Units in order to ensure consistency between international, regional and local strategies.
• Establish practices to ensure marketing liaise with the sales force, the distributors and the trade in order that all parties optimize communication.

Research and Market Information

• Define market research needs, and conduct the required studies
• Analyze and keep abreast of new developments in the marketplace and globally.
• Guide business decisions resulting from research and market information.

Critical Success Factors

• The brand portfolio manager requires a blend of operational & strategic thinking abilities to develop cogent & creative brand marketing plans & activities.
• Capable of ensuring that all company and marketing goals are translated and communicated to all relevant parties, and implemented
• Drive for results - regular review of all brand activities conducted to ensure goals met.
• Source & use available market and consumer information to guide business decisions, and provide strategic input to the overall business strategy
• Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills are required to drive and motivate the sales & marketing team. Excellent coaching skills required.

Job Holder Profile

• The jobholder requires a business degree or equivalent academic qualification.
  Experience in marketing with at least 5 years within an FMCG environment.
• Proven track record in building brands     
• Sales or trade marketing experience would be an advantage
• Knowledge and experience of the local market would be an added advantage
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are required.
• Strong communication, creative and strategic thinking skill
• Well spoken and written English; Lao would be advantageous

Benefits:

• Attractive salary range based on the qualifications of the applicant and on LTL salaries scales and social benefits
• Participation to and induction programme (discovery of all the department of the company)
• Free catering service, one meal per day
• Free transportation services and gas voucher for managerial level
• Free leisure: access to football, and badminton company club

For Managerial position:

• Regular attendance to training courses in the region
• Regular exchange with teams of the other subsidiaries of the region
• Opportunities to grow into senior position for applicants based on the performance of the successful candidates

The interested applicant can send your CV and a cover letter with a copy of certificates, qualification and working experiences certificate before 30 September 2010 to the attention of:

Human Resource Department, Lao Tobacco Limited
Km8 Thadeua Road, PO Box: 181, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Tel: (+856 21) 352 780, Mobile: 020 5513 179
Fax: (+856 21) 313 144, E-mail: nsk@ltl.laopdr.com

We regret that only short listed candidates will be notified. Please note that any documents provided may not be returned.