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Van Sales Executive

Highlands Drinks

Nairobifull time~KES 40k – 80k/mo2d ago

Quick Take

The Role

Drive a sales van through assigned Nairobi territories daily, taking orders, delivering Highlands Drinks products, and managing stock while building customer relationships.

You Need

5+ years of van sales or FMCG distribution experience, valid Commercial Driving Licence with clean record, and proven sales closing ability.

You Get

Competitive salary (KES 40–80k/mo), field autonomy, hands-on growth in a fast-moving beverage distribution business, and direct impact on territory revenue.

Job Description

Role Overview

Highlands Drinks is looking for a seasoned and driven Van Sales Executive to join their field sales team. In this role, you will be the face of the company within your assigned territory — responsible for driving revenue growth, ensuring product availability across customer outlets, and delivering exceptional service on every route you run.

This is a hands-on, road-based role suited to a self-motivated FMCG sales professional who thrives in a fast-paced distribution environment. You will manage your van stock, build lasting customer relationships, and consistently hit monthly sales targets while upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

Key Responsibilities
  • Take customer orders and ensure accurate, on-time product delivery along assigned daily routes.
  • Sell and actively promote Highlands Drinks products to existing and prospective customers.
  • Build and sustain strong relationships with retail and wholesale customers to drive repeat business and loyalty.
  • Resolve customer complaints promptly and escalate complex issues through the appropriate channels.
  • Execute daily route plans efficiently to maximise territory coverage and sales opportunities.
  • Identify and convert new customer acquisition opportunities within the assigned territory.
  • Monitor and manage van stock levels throughout the day, reconciling stock issued, sold, and returned on a daily basis.
  • Report any stock discrepancies, damages, or variances immediately to the line manager.
  • Achieve or exceed monthly sales targets consistently.
  • Track market trends and monitor competitor activity, sharing actionable insights with the sales team.
  • Participate in sales promotions, activations, and trade marketing initiatives.
  • Prepare and submit accurate daily sales, stock, and customer records to support business decision-making.
  • Safeguard the company sales van, stock, and all assigned equipment in good working condition.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Demonstrate at least 5 years of hands-on experience in van sales, FMCG distribution, or a closely related field sales role.
  • Hold a valid Commercial Driving Licence and maintain a clean driving record suitable for daily territory operations.
  • Apply proven sales and negotiation techniques to close orders and grow account value at the trade level.
  • Plan and execute daily routes independently to optimise coverage and minimise downtime.
  • Manage van stock accurately — including daily reconciliations — to minimise losses, damages, and variances.
  • Use strong interpersonal and communication skills to manage customer relationships and resolve complaints on the spot.
  • Work with integrity and accountability in handling company cash, stock, and assets.
  • Demonstrate a results-driven mindset with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Minimum qualification: Diploma or Certificate in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
Salary & Benefits

Highlands Drinks offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience in the FMCG sector. Estimated monthly gross salary ranges between KES 40,000 and KES 80,000, inclusive of a base salary and performance-linked incentives. Additional benefits typically associated with this role include a transport/fuel allowance, airtime allowance, and sales performance bonuses. Specific package details will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

Who Should Apply

Ideal candidate: You are an experienced van sales professional with a strong track record in FMCG or beverage distribution. You know how to manage a route, own your numbers, and keep customers happy — all in a single day's work. You are honest, physically fit, and comfortable with the demands of daily road-based selling in varying conditions.

Do NOT apply if you have fewer than 5 years of relevant field sales or distribution experience, do not hold a valid Commercial Driving Licence, or are looking for an office-based or supervisory-only role. This position requires daily physical handling of products and regular driving within assigned territories.

How to Apply
  • Prepare an updated CV highlighting your van sales, FMCG, or distribution experience and a copy of your valid Commercial Driving Licence.
  • Submit your application through the Highlands Drinks official careers page or the job platform where this posting is listed.
  • Ensure your application clearly states the role title — Van Sales Executive — and your territory preference if applicable.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Requirements Breakdown

Must Have

  • Minimum 5 years hands-on van sales, FMCG distribution, or field sales experience
  • Valid Commercial Driving Licence with clean driving record
  • Diploma or Certificate in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or related discipline
  • Proven ability to close sales, negotiate, and manage van stock reconciliation
  • Results-driven mindset with ability to work independently and meet monthly targets

Nice to Have

  • Experience in beverage or fast-moving consumer goods distribution
  • Track record of exceeding sales targets or growing account value
  • Familiarity with CRM or mobile sales tracking tools
  • Knowledge of Nairobi retail and wholesale landscape

Don't meet every requirement? Tailor your CV to close the gap →

Salary Context

Competitive mid-market salary for Van Sales Executive in Nairobi

The KES 40–80k/mo range is typical for van sales roles in Kenya's FMCG sector, with variation driven by territory performance, experience level, and whether incentives/commissions are included. Top performers at established beverage companies often earn toward the upper end.

About Highlands Drinks

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Highlands Drinks is a beverage distribution company operating across Kenya's retail and wholesale channels, likely a regional player in the competitive soft drinks or water market. The company operates a field-based sales model relying on van sales executives to reach corner shops, supermarkets, and hospitality venues. Joining Highlands offers exposure to real FMCG sales mechanics and a clear route into senior sales or regional management roles.

Likely Interview Questions

  • 1

    Walk us through your most successful month as a van sales executive — what territory challenges did you face, and how did you exceed target?

  • 2

    Tell us about a time you identified and converted a new wholesale or retail customer in your territory. How did you approach it?

  • 3

    How do you manage daily van stock reconciliation, and describe a time when you caught a discrepancy or damage issue?

  • 4

    Describe your approach to managing multiple customer complaints or delivery issues on a single route. How do you prioritise?

  • 5

    Why are you interested in van sales at Highlands Drinks specifically, and what do you know about our product range and market position?

Application Tips

  • Quantify your sales achievements: mention specific monthly targets hit, percentage growth, or new accounts acquired in previous roles — recruiters want numbers.

  • Highlight your van stock management discipline: mention reconciliation accuracy rates, systems you've used (SAP, pen-and-paper, Excel), and how you've minimised losses or damages.

  • Emphasise your Commercial Driving Licence status, clean record, and vehicle maintenance responsibility — safety is a hiring priority for field sales roles.

Career Path

Roles that lead here

Retail Sales Associate (counter or shop-based selling)
Distribution Assistant or Van Assistant (learning the route and stock side)
Sales Representative in FMCG (but non-van roles, e.g. indoor retail promotions)

Where this leads

Senior Van Sales Executive or Van Sales Supervisor (overseeing multiple vans/territories)
Territory Sales Manager (managing a region and a team of van executives)
Regional Sales Manager or Sales Coordinator (office-based FMCG sales leadership)

Skills & Keywords

van sales jobs kenyafmcg sales jobs nairobihighlands drinks jobsvan sales executivedistribution jobs kenyaroute sales representativebeverage sales jobs kenyacommercial driver sales kenya

Honest Assessment

Green Flags

  • Clear, detailed job description with specific daily responsibilities and key performance indicators — shows the company has thought through the role.
  • Explicit requirement for 5+ years experience signals the role is not entry-level; it's a senior field position with genuine responsibility and autonomy.
  • Emphasis on integrity, accountability, and relationship-building indicates a company that values professional conduct — not a high-churn, transactional sales environment.
  • Wide salary range (KES 40–80k) suggests performance-based progression and upside potential for high achievers.

Watch Out

  • Job description cuts off mid-sentence at 'Highlands Drinks offers a competitive remuneration p' — full benefits package and incentive structure are not detailed, making it hard to assess true take-home pay or perks.
  • No mention of vehicle maintenance costs, fuel allowance, or commission/bonus structure — critical for van sales roles where earnings can vary significantly.
  • No explicit mention of working hours, on-call expectations, or weekend work frequency — van sales can demand irregular schedules.

A Day in the Life

☀️

Your week as a Van Sales Executive at Highlands Drinks starts Sunday evening: you plan your Monday route (4–5 stops across assigned suburbs), check van stock from the warehouse, and confirm standing orders. Monday–Friday, you're on the road by 7 a.m., hitting retail shops, supermarkets, and small wholesalers, taking orders, offloading product, collecting cash or settling invoices, and reconciling stock in your van at day's end. Mid-week, you might support a promotional activation at a key customer or flag a competitor's new pricing to your manager. Friday afternoons include a full stock and cash handover, noting any damages or shortfalls. You work independently but report daily sales and issues to your line manager via WhatsApp or a simple sales form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a Van Sales Executive at Highlands Drinks?

You need a minimum Diploma or Certificate in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field; at least 5 years of van sales or FMCG distribution experience; and a valid Commercial Driving Licence with a clean driving record.

Is the Van Sales Executive role at Highlands Drinks remote?

No, this is a fully road-based role. You will spend every working day driving your assigned territory in Nairobi, visiting customer outlets, taking orders, and delivering products — remote work is not an option.

How much does a Van Sales Executive earn at Highlands Drinks?

The posted salary range is KES 40,000–80,000 per month. Actual pay within this range depends on experience, territory performance, and whether commissions or bonuses are included; the job description does not detail the incentive structure.

What are the career growth opportunities for a Van Sales Executive at Highlands Drinks?

A successful van executive typically progresses to Senior Van Executive, Van Sales Supervisor (managing multiple vans), or Territory Sales Manager. Performance against monthly targets and customer feedback are key to advancement into regional or head office sales roles.

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