National Sales Manager - FMCG Beverages

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Medical aid

Pension

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a National Sales Manager for the beverage division. Based in Randburg, the role requires driving national sales strategies, leading regional managers, and expanding market penetration across South Africa. Travel nationwide is essential to engage key accounts and support teams.

The successful candidate will have deep FMCG experience in SA beverages, a proven record of meeting targets, and strong leadership, negotiation, and budgeting skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business or related field.
• 8+ years FMCG sales experience, 4+ years in senior management.
• Extensive SA beverage market experience.
• Track record of meeting/exceeding national targets.
• Strong leadership for dispersed sales teams.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting and performance analysis.
• Proficient in CRM and sales analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement national sales strategies to hit targets.
• Lead and develop a national sales team across regions.
• Build relationships with national accounts, distributors and retailers.
• Analyze markets for new opportunities and trends.
• Manage the sales budget and allocate resources."
• Coordinate with marketing for aligned brand strategies.
• Implement sales forecasting and reporting processes.
• Ensure product distribution and visibility nationwide.
• Provide leadership on pricing and promotions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic sales

Negotiation

Presentation

Interpersonal skills

CRM software

Sales analytics

Forecasting

Budgeting

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sales/Marketing/Business

Tools

CRM software

Sales analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent and rapidly expanding force within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is looking for a highly motivated and results-oriented National Sales Manager to spearhead their beverage division. This critical role, based in Randburg, Gauteng , will be responsible for developing and implementing national sales strategies to achieve ambitious revenue targets and expand market penetration. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the South African beverage market, a proven ability to lead and inspire a national sales team, and a strong commitment to driving profitable growth. This position demands a hands-on approach and requires regular travel across the country to engage with key stakeholders and support regional sales efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement effective national sales strategies to achieve or exceed sales targets and volume objectives.
• Manage, motivate, and develop a high-performing national sales force, including regional sales managers and their teams.
• Develop and nurture relationships with key national accounts, distributors, and retail partners.
• Conduct regular market analysis to identify new business opportunities, competitive threats, and evolving consumer trends within the beverage category.
• Oversee the sales budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and maximizing profitability.
• Collaborate with the marketing department to ensure alignment between sales initiatives and brand strategies.
• Develop and implement sales forecasting and reporting mechanisms to track performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure effective product distribution and visibility across all sales channels nationwide.
• Provide leadership and direction on pricing strategies and promotional activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Management, or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8 years of proven sales experience in the FMCG industry, with at least 4 years in a senior sales management role.
• Extensive experience within the South African beverage market is essential.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully achieving and surpassing national sales targets.
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to build, train, and manage geographically dispersed sales teams.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth understanding of sales forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis.
• Proficiency in CRM software and sales analytics tools.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout South Africa as required by the role, based in or near Randburg, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, complemented by attractive performance-based incentives and bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension fund benefits are included.
• The company is committed to employee growth, offering significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• You will join a dynamic and supportive work environment with the chance to make a substantial impact on the success of a leading FMCG brand.