Hi, I’m
AMIT SONAVIYA
Sales / Distribution Manager
Summary
As an accomplished Distributor Manager with 13 years of experience, I excel in distribution, key account management, and business development. My expertise lies in aligning corporate goals with actionable strategies to drive profitability and market expansion. With a focus on the Middle East, I have successfully led multicultural teams, optimized channel operations, and nurtured strategic partnerships to fuel business growth.
Overview
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Indoguna Dubai
Sales Manager
10.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Amplified awareness of company products and services by providing win-win solutions for customers and Indoguna
- Enhanced market share through meticulous performance monitoring, surpassing key success metrics, executing strategic business plans, and fostering strong relationships with channel partners, thereby achieving deeper market penetration.
- Effectively handled sales processes from generating leads to negotiating and closing contracts.
- Demonstrated products to encourage purchases by showcasing features and benefits
- Managed a variety of account portfolios, delivering outstanding client service to uphold brand loyalty.
- Monitored product display and offers, interacting with Principals of brand and achieving sales targets for each brand, and maintaining market feedback as well as competition report
- Plan and work on NPD (New Product Development)
- Streamlined processes to enhance operational productivity and overall traceability.
Unilever Food Solutions
Distributor Manager - Food & Beverage
06.2021 - 06.2022
Job overview
- Increased efficiency and effectively supervised team members to ensure optimal productivity
- Elevated revenue by deploying strategic sales tactics, rectifying profit-loss areas, and leading distributor sales teams across the HORECA sector within the territory.
- Developed strong strategic relationship with key decision makers in the food service industry
- Monitored market trends, developments, and competitor activities to ensure that business operations remain progressive
- Executed contracts and monitored their progress with major Hotel Chains & Catering Companies
- Improved operational efficiency by recruiting and developing top talent to drive growth initiatives
- Created and managed demand plan for each distributor, set sales targets and stock cover
- Identified and solved complex strategy obstacles to promote growth and guide business direction.
- Improved operational efficiency by recruiting and developing top talent to drive growth initiatives.
Unilever Food Solutions
Key Account Manager - Beverage & Food Division
05.2017 - 06.2021
Job overview
- Achieved 100% customer profiling for all distributor accounts, both new and existing. Successfully increased SKU per operator to 'Pull' HORECA local key accounts (Hotels, Restaurants & Catering) through strategic customer base expansion. Implemented targeted promotions from marketing to enhance visibility in HORECA channels.
- Enhanced overall productivity and performance by effectively coordinating activities across vital business functions, including marketing, chefs, and R&D. Collaborated closely with distributors and various departments within UFS to drive market share growth.
- Strengthened customer loyalty and facilitated successful product launches by developing renowned brands such as Knorr, Hellman's, Colman's, Lipton, and Cart' Dor.
- Ensured the timely delivery of iTO & iReach targets for innovations by maintaining close collaboration with distributor sales teams.
- Consistently achieved and surpassed pre-set sales targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the assigned territory.
Unilever Food Solutions
Business Development Manager - Beverage ( Lipton )
12.2013 - 05.2017
Job overview
- Oversaw the distribution of Beverage tea for UFS in the UAE, leading a team of four individuals.
- Proactively identified and secured new business opportunities through strategic networking, with a focus on the Catering and QSR sectors.
- Delivered invaluable customer and market insights to enhance strategic planning efforts.
- Drove revenue growth by generating leads, refining service plans, and promoting client retention.
- Expanded sales volume and product range across new retail channels, warehouses, and food chains.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers and vendors to boost company profitability.
Education
American International University (AIUMT)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Grammar School
'O' Level
Skills
Solution selling
Extensive personal network
New Business Development
Sales team training
Relationship Building
Key Account Management
Price Structuring
Product Knowledge
Strategic Planning
Strategic account development
Skills& Expertise
- International customs regulations
- Supply chain management
- Strategic demand planning
- Sales and marketing expertise
- Brand development and management
- Market research and trends understanding
- Distribution management
- Territory development
- Creative and innovative
- Channel development
- Key account management
- Profitability enhancement
- Persuasive negotiations
- Budgeting and sales forecasting
- Operational excellence
- Logistics operations
- MS Office proficiency
- Strong communication
- Excellent interpersonal values
Accomplishments
- Appointed and Managed 2 New Food Service Distributors for UAE region at Unilever Food Solutions.
- Managed and Retained 250+ Customers in B&I and HORECA Segment.
- Managed a Portfolio of 150+ SKU's including Beverage, Savory, Dressing, and Other Food across Catering Channel.
- Supervised team of 6 staff members.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Documented and resolved Grey Stock which led to 2 ton of incremental business.
Personal Dossier
05/13/1986, Indian, Employment, Valid UAE Driving License
Timeline
Sales Manager
Indoguna Dubai
10.2022 - Current
Distributor Manager - Food & Beverage
Unilever Food Solutions
06.2021 - 06.2022
Key Account Manager - Beverage & Food Division
Unilever Food Solutions
05.2017 - 06.2021
Business Development Manager - Beverage ( Lipton )
Unilever Food Solutions
12.2013 - 05.2017
American International University (AIUMT)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
05.2008
Grammar School
'O' Level
05.2003