How to hire a supervisor for sales representatives and merchandisers
A supervisor controls and trains the team in the field
A supervisor does not sit in the office all day. They go out with sales representatives or merchandisers, check that the planogram is followed, look at displays and reports, train people and look into missed targets. In effect they are the link between the sales head and the people on the routes.
So your job request should be clear about whom exactly they will supervise: sales staff in retail, or a team of merchandisers in store chains. These need different skills.
How to search through BlaBlaPrice
You write one job request, and candidates reply in the chat with their experience of managing people, the teams they have handled and the pay they expect. Before it goes live, the request is checked, ads and contacts are removed from the text, and you get hints on what to add.
Your phone number stays hidden, and only the candidate you choose gets it. The job request stays active for 7 days and can be extended. It is free for employers. More details in How it works.
What to put in the job request
- Role — supervisor of sales representatives, merchandisers or a retail chain;
- Team size — for example, 10 merchandisers;
- Industry — FMCG, beverages, household products, non-food goods;
- Location — a city or region, for example Wellington and nearby districts;
- Pay — salary and bonuses for the team's targets;
- Shifts — five or six days a week, whether there is field travel, whether a vehicle is needed;
- Terms and experience — written appointment, how many years of managing people.
Example: “Supervisor for sales representatives wanted by a beverage company, Wellington and nearby districts. Team of 10 people, field visits on routes, six-day week. Salary $850 plus bonuses, written appointment, at least 1 year as a supervisor in FMCG.”
How to assess candidates
Ask how the candidate divides their time between field visits and reporting, how they work with someone who is missing the target, and how they measure the team's results. A good supervisor talks about systems, not just “checking on the spot”.
Find out whether they can work with apps and report spreadsheets, and whether they are ready for travel. Agree on transport and allowances, because they decide the real income.
Do not forget the limits of authority: can the supervisor hire and fire people, or only recommend? This affects the level of candidates who respond.
Discuss reporting separately: how often the supervisor reports, and whether it is a daily review or a weekly summary.
If you are looking for a job
If you have managed a sales team and are looking for a new role, register on BlaBlaPrice as a service provider, choose this category and your area, and reply to job requests. Roles that report to a supervisor are nearby: merchandiser and sales representative.
