Assistant Manager – Field Readiness (Retail & Projects)

About the role

Our client, a leading manufacturing company in Ethiopia, is seeking an Assistant Manager – Field Readiness (Retail + Projects) to strengthen field capability, product readiness and customer engagement nationwide. The role will lead retail training initiatives, support product launches and engage contractors and industry influencers to accelerate product adoption and business growth.

Key responsibilities

• Lead product knowledge and selling‑skills training for retail partners and shop staff.
• Organise and facilitate contractor, applicator and painter engagement programmes across multiple regions.
• Manage planning and execution of the Painter Academy training curriculum and calendar.
• Support new product launches through field demonstrations, product trials and technical training.
• Provide technical and application support to Sales, Retail, Projects and Marketing teams.
• Conduct site visits, product demonstrations and customer‑engagement activities to promote product adoption.
• Strengthen field readiness, improve customer experience and ensure consistent brand representation.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Sales Management or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, preferably in sales capability development, field operations, technical sales or customer engagement.
• Experience in manufacturing, construction materials, FMCG, paints, coatings or related industries is an advantage.
• Experience delivering product training, field activation or channel development programmes is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of sales principles, customer engagement and field capability development.
• Excellent presentation, facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning, coordination and stakeholder‑management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel frequently across assigned regions.
• Fluency in Amharic and a good working knowledge of English.

What we offer

• Opportunity to make a measurable impact by developing field capabilities and strengthening customer relationships.
• Chance to support product innovation and contribute to the growth of one of Ethiopia’s leading manufacturing organisations.