Trade Development Representative (TDR) - Kisumu CBD

How to Apply: Send your application letter, expected salary, and detailed CV with a daytime telephone number to jobs1@hcsaffiliatesgroup.com with the subject line 'TDR- Kisumu CBD'. Candidates MUST indicate their preferred location.

Master the Retail Visit: From Route Plans to SIM Activations

This role lives on the ground — your day is built around agent visits, stock checks, and training. Hiring managers will probe how you handle route planning, enforce stock rules, and build trust with agents who see dozens of sales reps weekly.

1. Prove your route-plan discipline: On your CV, show you can follow beat plans and hit call rates. Mention any experience with route optimization or territory management, even if it was in a different sales role. Give a concrete example of how you prioritized high-traffic outlets.

2. Show you understand agent economics: Agents care about commission and stock turnover. Be ready to explain how you'd help an SSO or T-Kash agent increase float sales and SIM activations. Talk about the 1.5x stock rule and why it matters for both the company and the agent's cash flow.

3. Bring AML and KYC knowledge: This posting explicitly mentions AML training and KYC for SIMREG. Brush up on Kenya's SIM registration rules and anti-money laundering basics. If you've trained anyone on compliance before, highlight that — it shows you can handle the training part of the role.

4. Prepare for a field ride-along: Many sales managers will ask you to accompany them on a visit. Dress practically, carry a notebook, and be ready to ask agents about their challenges. Show you can listen and spot opportunities without being pushy.

5. Quantify your sales impact: Instead of saying 'increased sales', say 'grew agent float sales by 20% in 3 months' or 'recruited 15 new agents'. Numbers make your experience tangible. If you don't have exact figures, estimate and label them as approximations.

6. Practice your negotiation pitch: You'll need to convince agents to stock more SIMs and maintain visibility. Prepare a short pitch that addresses an agent's likely objections — like cash flow or low demand. Role-play with a friend to get comfortable.

7. Show you can train without boring people: Training agents on AML and KYC can be dry. Think of a simple analogy or a quick checklist you'd use. Mention any experience you have with on-the-job training or mentoring, even informally.

8. Know the telecom landscape: Be ready to talk about the major mobile money players in Kenya and the challenges agents face — like float liquidity, fraud, or competition. Showing you understand the market signals you'll hit the ground running.