The fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and consumer durable sectors have always been inextricably linked to the retail market, which has been hit very hard by the current economic climate.
This has led to many consumers adapting their spending habits purchasing ‘own label’ low cost alternative products rather than the better known and more expensive branded alternatives, creating a boom for some FMCG companies and a bust for many others.
With consumer spending confidence slowly returning within the retail sector, the knock on effect is that many FMCG and consumer durable companies are now on the look out for talented and well connected sales people to help them regain some market share, and start to claw back the revenue lost in the first half of 2009.
Positions in demand within the current market are for proven national account managers, sales managers and business development managers across the retail, cash and carry and wholesale sectors. Clients are looking for sales professionals who can prove their achievements against target and are particularly attracted to those with long lasting relationships with key accounts such as Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda and Morrison's.
The market is still quite risk adverse at the moment however, so clients are less likely to consider candidates who do not have specific product, industry, or account experience.
The market is still in recovery, but there are still fantastic jobs out there for those who are looking for the next career move.