ASAMMY
ALEJANDRO SAMANIEGO
MARKETING - SALES
ABOUT ME.
I was born 62 miles from the Pacific Ocean in Cali, Colombia, South America. My educational journey began in Colombia's public school system and continued in a technical and industrial private school where I completed my diploma in graphic arts.
I nurtured a love for performance theater throughout my education, participating in a school group that competed in national events. My passion for pop culture was evident as I eagerly watched Disney films, cartoons, and Japanese anime and kept up with the latest rock, pop, and salsa music trends.
At 15, my first job was as a waiter at a fast-food chain, beginning my interest in sales and customer service. I later joined Colombia’s leading movie theater chain, combining my love for cinema with customer service skills. I started my college education at 16 and graduated from Javeriana University in Colombia with a degree in communications at the age of 21, one of my class's youngest graduates.
During my final college year, I interned at Baxter Laboratories as an internal communications analyst within the human resources department. After six months, I was selected to work on the company’s social responsibility project, focusing on health and education programs for indigenous communities. Excelling in this role led me to join the marketing and communications department, where I designed medical advertising materials and helped organize the 3rd Latin American Symposium of Nephrology.
Post-college, I worked at General Metalica S.A. as a marketing analyst, leading market research for the school supplies division. My most significant project was on school notebooks, where I conducted consumer and market research and negotiated licenses with movie studios for notebook covers. The project was a resounding success, achieving a 113% increase in sales revenue in its first year. Following this, I joined JGB Labs as a Marketing Coordinator, working on Colombia's Tarrito Rojo multivitamin brand. I led brand activations and built strong consumer relationships. My work on the oral kits campaign featuring characters from Madagascar 3 involved designing product packaging and advertising materials.
In my role at Yupi, the second-largest snack company in Colombia, I started as a Trade Marketing Analyst, leading processes across all sales channels. Due to my outstanding results, I was entrusted with developing the institutional pipeline or B2B from scratch. I successfully established this channel, growing it to encompass five national executives and securing over 70 clients, including prominent names like Nutresa, Argos, and various movie theaters. Recognized for my achievements, I received an award from the company. Subsequently, I was given a new challenge: leading the Trade Marketing area for Colombia and Panama. During my five-year tenure as a Trade Marketing Coordinator, one of my most notable accomplishments was collaborating with Bauducco to introduce their famous panettone bread to Colombian supermarkets, achieving an impressive 108% sales growth.
Since childhood, one of my dreams has always been to experience life in the U.S. Army. Therefore, I decided to pause my professional career to pursue this aspiration, convinced it would contribute significantly to my personal growth. Becoming an American soldier was a fantastic journey that honed my discipline and fostered my development as a leader and individual. 2017, I moved to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Army two years later. Stationed in Germany with an air defense unit part of NATO, I served as a petroleum supply specialist, managing fuel forecasts for my battalion. My three-year service in Germany included missions in Poland and Slovakia, culminating in my advancement to the rank of Sergeant. This military experience was invaluable, profoundly shaping my character and perspective.
This is a great place to add a tagline.
"Never lock your dreams away in a safe; don't let fear dictate the pursuit of your personal and professional aspirations. Let no one tell you that you can't achieve them. Your potential is unlocked not by the assurances of others but by the courage to relentlessly and fearlessly chase what you believe in."
MY EXPERIENCE
Embark on a journey through my diverse career landscape, where adaptability and strategic insight have been my guiding principles. My professional path has woven through various industries and roles, from the dynamic world of sales and marketing in Colombia to the disciplined environment of the military in Germany and back to the competitive retail sector in the United States. Each role has honed my strategic planning, relationship building, market analysis, and leadership skills.
Mondelez International
Sales Service Representative
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Duration: April 2023 – August 2023
Key Responsibilities:
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Strategic Merchandising Execution: Conducted regular in-store visits to manage inventory levels efficiently, ensuring optimal stock conditions. This involved meticulously placing orders and conducting thorough reviews of current stock to align with demand.
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Brand Representation and Stock Maintenance: Actively ensured that Nabisco's flagship brands, including Oreo, Ritz, and Belvita, were prominently displayed, adequately stocked, and maintained in pristine condition within stores, thereby enhancing brand visibility and consumer appeal.
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Negotiation and Relationship Management: Played a pivotal role in supporting and facilitating negotiations with store managers to secure favorable positioning and promotional activities for Nabisco's product lines. This included developing and nurturing robust business relationships with store management teams to deliver unparalleled service and value, exceeding customer expectations.
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Market Intelligence and Competitive Analysis: Diligently monitored and reported on competitive market activities, providing comprehensive documentation of competitors' pricing strategies and promotional efforts. This involved analyzing market trends to inform strategic decisions and adjust sales tactics accordingly.
Through these efforts, I effectively maintained the market dominance of Nabisco's leading brands, ensured product availability, and fostered strong partnerships with retail outlets, driving sales growth and enhancing customer satisfaction.
U.S. ARMY
Petroleum Supply Specialist / E5-Sergeant
Location: Germany, AE (Assigned to NATO)
Duration: October 2019 – April 2023
Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
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Fuel Supply Chain Management: Directed the comprehensive management and execution of the fuel supply chain operations for the battalion, ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability critical for operational readiness and mission success. This involved strategic planning, logistics coordination, and oversight of the entire fuel supply process from procurement to distribution.
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Hazardous Materials Oversight: Spearheaded the supervision and inspection protocols for hazardous materials and military equipment, implementing stringent safety standards to mitigate risks. This role demanded a meticulous approach to compliance, ensuring all handling and storage procedures met the highest safety and environmental regulations.
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Leadership and Development: Dedicated to the holistic development of personnel, I was entrusted with the responsibility for the personal and professional growth of soldiers under my command. This included designing and implementing targeted development programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, and providing support for the welfare of soldiers and their families. My efforts were aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the well-being and morale of the team.
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Team Welfare Management: Actively engaged in initiatives to support the welfare and well-being of soldiers and their families. My role encompassed counseling, support in personal and professional matters, and the facilitation of resources and services to address the unique challenges military families face.
Throughout my tenure, I demonstrated a commitment to excellence, operational integrity, and the proactive advancement of team capabilities, contributing significantly to the operational readiness and effectiveness of the battalion.
GIORGIO ARMANI
Sales Supervisor
Location: Houston, TX
Duration: July 2018 – October 2019
Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
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Merchandising Leadership: Proactively implemented and maintained comprehensive merchandising directives, ensuring store layouts and product displays were optimized for sales performance and customer engagement. My role involved a strategic approach to visual merchandising that aligned with brand standards and seasonal promotions, enhancing the shopping experience and driving revenue growth.
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Inventory Management Expertise: Maintained an in-depth understanding of stock levels, employing a data-driven approach to inventory management. This included forecasting demand, managing reorder points, and liaising with the procurement team to ensure product availability and minimize stockouts, maximizing sales opportunities.
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Sales Team Development: Played a pivotal role in developing and training the sales staff, fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement. By conducting regular training sessions, sharing best practices, and providing one-on-one coaching, I enhanced the team's product knowledge, sales techniques, and customer service skills, improving sales performance and customer satisfaction.
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Policy and Procedure Compliance: Ensured strict compliance with all company policies, procedures, and directives, reinforcing a culture of integrity and accountability within the team. This involved regular audits, team briefings, and the development of compliance checklists to ensure all operational activities adhered to company standards and regulatory requirements.
Through my leadership and strategic focus, I created a dynamic and efficient sales environment that met and exceeded company goals and customer expectations.
YUPI
Career Progression:
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Trade Marketing Analyst
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B2B Key Account Coordinator
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Trade Marketing Coordinator
Location: Colombia
Duration: July 2012 – January 2017
Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
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Strategic Trade Marketing Leadership: As Trade Marketing Coordinator, I spearheaded the development and execution of the company's trade marketing strategy, significantly enhancing brand visibility and sales performance across key market segments. My leadership in this role was instrumental in aligning marketing initiatives with business objectives, ensuring coherent brand messaging and maximum market penetration.
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Product Management and Importation: Demonstrated exceptional expertise in managing the importation and market introduction of products from Brazil, notably Bauducco, overseeing all aspects from customs clearance to market launch. This role required strategic planning and close collaboration with international partners to ensure product availability aligned with market demands.
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B2B Key Account Management: As a B2B Key Account Coordinator, I excelled in managing and expanding relationships with key business clients, driving sales growth, and securing long-term business agreements. My ability to understand and meet the needs of B2B clients contributed to sustaining and growing the company’s market share in competitive segments.
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Trade Marketing Analysis and Execution: I initiated my career as a Trade Marketing Analyst, where I was responsible for the meticulous analysis and oversight of in-store marketing efforts, including planogram compliance, point-of-sale materials, promotional activities, and pricing strategies. My work ensured that brand presentation and promotions were executed flawlessly across retail channels, optimizing consumer engagement and sales.
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Merchandising and Sales Support: Developed and managed a comprehensive plan for merchandising personnel, ensuring effective in-store execution and support across vital retail points. This involved training, coordination, and performance monitoring of merchandising teams to uphold brand standards and achieve sales targets.
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Client Engagement and Budget Management: Actively engaged with key clients and consumers to foster solid relationships and gather market insights, which informed marketing strategies and product offerings. I managed and adhered to strict marketing budgets, ensuring cost-effective marketing initiatives that exceeded ROI expectations.
Throughout my tenure, I successfully navigated through roles of increasing responsibility, demonstrating a profound impact on the company's trade marketing success, from strategic planning to execution. My journey from a Trade Marketing Analyst to a Trade Marketing Coordinator reflects a track record of exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of both B2B and consumer market dynamics.
JGB
Marketing Specialist
Location: Colombia
Duration: June 2011 – July 2012
Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
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Marketing Strategy and Execution: Spearheaded the marketing initiatives for key product lines, including Tarrito Rojo (multivitamins) and Fluocardent (oral care), driving brand awareness and sales growth. Developed and executed comprehensive marketing objectives aligned with the company's strategic goals, ensuring products met consumer needs and market demands.
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Brand Activation and Partnership Management: Played a pivotal role in the company's brand activation plans, leveraging innovative marketing strategies to enhance brand presence and consumer engagement. She successfully orchestrated a high-profile partnership with the Madagascar 3 movie to launch a new Fluocardent oral care line for kids, significantly boosting brand visibility and appeal to younger demographics.
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Budget Management: Demonstrated meticulous financial oversight by managing and adhering to marketing budgets, ensuring all promotional activities delivered maximum impact while maintaining cost efficiency. We employed strategic allocation of resources to optimize marketing investments and achieve financial objectives.
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Sales Support and Performance Monitoring: Provided critical support to the sales team by supervising point-of-sale activities for crucial clients, enhancing the brand's retail execution and customer experience. They monitored sales performance and market trends to adjust marketing strategies as needed, ensuring competitive advantage and market share growth.
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Collaboration and Cross-functional Leadership: Worked closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, product development, and external partners, to ensure cohesive marketing efforts and alignment with overall business strategy. It has fostered a collaborative environment encouraging innovation and shared success in marketing campaigns and product launches.
During my tenure at JGB Colombia, I contributed to significant brand growth and market penetration for Tarrito Rojo and Fluocardent through strategic marketing initiatives, effective budget management, and successful partnerships. My efforts helped solidify the company's position in the competitive health and wellness sector.
GENERAL METALICA
Marketing Analyst
Location: Colombia
Duration: August 2009 – June 2011
Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
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Market Research Leadership: Spearheaded the company's marketing research initiatives, identifying market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive dynamics. This involved designing and executing comprehensive research studies to inform strategic decision-making, guiding product development, and marketing strategies to align with market needs and opportunities.
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Product Development and Innovation: Led the development of new product lines and categories within the industrial and school supplies sectors, from concept to market introduction. This role required a keen understanding of market demands, collaboration with product design and development teams, and strategic planning to ensure successful product launches that met consumer needs and company goals.
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Product Launch Execution: Played a pivotal role in planning and executing product launches, coordinating with marketing, sales, and logistics teams to ensure a seamless introduction to the market. My efforts included developing launch strategies, promotional materials, and sales training programs to provide a strong market entry and sales momentum.
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Financial Stewardship and Budget Management: Demonstrated rigorous financial management by overseeing marketing budgets, ensuring all marketing activities were executed efficiently and within allocated financial resources and employing strategic budget planning and monitoring to maximize return on marketing investments and achieve cost-effective campaign executions.
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Sales Support and Retail Supervision: Provided essential support to the sales team by actively supervising point-of-sale activities for key clients, ensuring optimal brand presentation and customer engagement. They worked closely with retail partners to monitor compliance with promotional agreements, product placement, and stock levels, enhancing sales performance and customer satisfaction.
As a Marketing Analyst, my strategic approach to market research, product development, and launch execution contributed significantly to the company's growth in the industrial and school supplies sectors. My leadership in these areas ensured that new products met market expectations, drove sales growth, and enhanced brand reputation.
BAXTER LABORATORIES
Marketing Communications Analyst
Location: Colombia
Duration: January 2007 – April 2009
Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
Career Journey:
I began my career journey at Baxter Lab as an Intern in Human Resources (Internal Communication), focusing on enhancing internal communication strategies to support a vibrant organizational culture and increase employee engagement. My innovative approach and the tangible improvement in communication effectiveness led to a notable promotion within the company.
Promoted to Marketing Communications Analyst, my responsibilities evolved to encompass:
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Product Release Management: Directed the planning and execution of product launches, ensuring seamless communication across channels to optimize brand presence and market reception. Collaborated closely with product development teams to synchronize launch strategies with broader marketing objectives.
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Leadership in Social Responsibility: Championed Baxter Lab’s social responsibility initiatives, aligning project goals with corporate ethical standards and community well-being. My leadership in these projects underscored the company's dedication to making a positive social impact, reinforcing Baxter Lab's commitment to corporate social responsibility.
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Medical Event Coordination: Managed the organization of medical-related events, including educational seminars and health awareness programs, reinforcing Baxter Lab’s commitment to healthcare education and public well-being. This role demanded comprehensive planning, coordination with healthcare professionals, and impeccable execution to ensure each event effectively contributed to public health awareness.
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Budget Oversight: Demonstrated exceptional budget management skills, ensuring all marketing communications and social responsibility activities were within allocated budgets. This involved strategic financial planning, diligent resource allocation, and ongoing financial monitoring to maximize impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
This progression from an intern to a critical role in marketing at Baxter Lab showcases my ability to adapt and thrive in evolving professional environments. As a Marketing Communications Analyst, I expanded my skill set to include internal communications, strategic marketing, and social responsibility management. My efforts significantly enhanced Baxter Lab's brand visibility, employee satisfaction, and community engagement, reflecting a balanced blend of strategic communication and corporate ethics.
Marketing isn’t just about tactics and strategies; it’s about the people behind the campaigns, the stories that drive innovation, and the journeys that inspire success. I bring you a unique blend of personal narratives and marketing insights that go beyond the textbooks and charts, much like your favorite Hollywood blockbuster takes you on an unforgettable ride.
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Marketing isn’t just about tactics and strategies; it’s about the people behind the campaigns, the stories that drive innovation, and the journeys that inspire success. I bring you a unique blend of personal narratives and marketing insights that go beyond the textbooks and charts, much like your favorite Hollywood blockbuster takes you on an unforgettable ride.
CONTACT ME
Hi, I'm Alejandro Samaniego, a Marketing, Branding, and Sales expert with diverse experience in Colombia, Panama, Brazil, and the USA. As a US Army veteran, I bring discipline and a unique perspective to marketing.
My website showcases my international expertise and success, offering insights and opportunities for those keen to excel in marketing. Let's embark on this journey of professional growth and innovation together.