Territory Development Manager

Job Description

Territory Development Manager

Company: COWAS International
Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

About COWAS International

Founded in the United Kingdom in 2008 and established in Nigeria in 2017, COWAS International is a leading distribution company dedicated to connecting global FMCG brands with African consumers. By combining international partnerships with deep local market knowledge, we make premium products accessible and affordable across Africa.

As one of the continent's fastest-growing distribution companies, we are committed to building Africa's largest distribution network for globally recognized brands while delivering exceptional value to consumers.

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic, commercially driven, and relationship-oriented Territory Development Manager to expand our retail presence for a fast-growing feminine intimate care and wellness brand.

The successful candidate will drive territory growth by developing new retail accounts, strengthening trade partnerships, ensuring excellent in-store execution, and increasing product availability across pharmacies, beauty stores, wellness outlets, and selected general trade channels. This is a field-based role suited for a self-motivated professional who enjoys building business relationships and driving market expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Territory Development

• Identify, recruit, onboard, and activate new retail accounts within the assigned territory.
• Develop and execute territory expansion strategies to increase outlet coverage and market penetration.
• Identify new business opportunities across relevant retail channels.
• Recommend growth initiatives based on emerging market opportunities.
• Manage trade credit responsibly and follow up on outstanding payments.

Account Management

• Manage the complete customer lifecycle, from prospecting and onboarding to account growth and retention.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure timely product replenishment.
• Encourage consistent reorder patterns to maintain product availability.
• Build long-term relationships with retailers to improve account productivity.
• Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally.

Trade Execution & Merchandising

• Ensure products are properly merchandised, priced, and visible across retail outlets.
• Execute trade marketing initiatives and deploy point-of-sale materials according to company standards.
• Conduct product training sessions for pharmacy assistants, beauty advisors, wellness consultants, and retail staff.
• Monitor compliance with merchandising and execution standards.

Brand Advocacy & Consumer Education

• Represent the brand professionally in all customer interactions.
• Educate retailers on product benefits, category trends, and brand value.
• Support product demonstrations, consumer activations, sampling campaigns, and awareness initiatives.
• Build retailer confidence through continuous engagement and education.

Reporting & Market Intelligence

• Prepare accurate daily, weekly, and monthly territory reports.
• Maintain records of account performance, sales activities, outlet coverage, and reorder trends.
• Monitor competitor pricing, promotions, product distribution, and market activities.
• Identify emerging opportunities, risks, and customer insights, providing actionable recommendations to management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of new retail accounts opened and activated.
• Growth in active outlet coverage.
• Territory sales and sell-through performance.
• Reorder frequency and account productivity.
• Product availability and distribution reach.
• Merchandising and trade execution compliance.
• Timeliness and accuracy of reporting.
• Effective management of trade receivables.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in any discipline.
• A background in Pharmacy, Nursing, Nutrition, Biological Sciences, or other health-related fields is an added advantage.

Experience

• 2–4 years of experience in field sales, account management, or business development.
• Proven experience developing retail accounts and building strong trade relationships.
• Experience within feminine hygiene, intimate care, women's wellness, maternal care, OTC pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or healthcare consumer products is highly desirable.
• Experience working with startup brands or market development initiatives is an added advantage.

Required Skills

Technical Skills

• Strong territory development and customer acquisition skills.
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of retail and distribution channels.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to discuss women's intimate care and wellness products professionally and confidently.
• Strong planning, reporting, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Meta Business tools.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage an assigned territory.
• Good knowledge of Lagos' pharmacy, beauty, wellness, and retail landscape.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for professionals who are:

• Passionate about women's health and wellness.
• Relationship-focused and skilled at building trust.
• Resilient, proactive, and results-driven.
• Entrepreneurial, with the ability to manage their territory like a business.
• Detail-oriented, disciplined, and committed to execution excellence.
• Comfortable spending the majority of their working hours in the field engaging customers and developing business opportunities.

Please Note: Due to the nature of the product category and the importance of authentic consumer engagement, qualified female candidates with a genuine interest in women's health and wellness are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why Join COWAS International?

• Be part of a purpose-driven organization committed to improving women's health and wellbeing.
• Work in a fast-growing and entrepreneurial environment where your contributions make a measurable impact.
• Enjoy excellent opportunities for career growth, learning, and professional development within a rapidly expanding organization.