Area Sales Manager - Retail

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with commission and

bonus structures

Company car or travel allowance

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks an Area Sales Manager to oversee retail sales. You will drive strategy, lead a field team, and nurture relationships with retail partners in a hybrid role balancing field activity with planning.

The ideal candidate brings 5–7 years in sales with 3+ years in leadership within FMCG/retail, strong negotiation skills, and a track record of meeting ambitious targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in sales, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably FMCG/retail.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing sales team.
• Strong understanding of sales processes, market dynamics, and retail operations.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic sales planning and execution experience.
• Proficiency with CRM software and MS Office Suite.
• Willingness to travel extensively in the Western Cape and adapt to hybrid work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategies to meet/exceed targets in the George region and Western Cape.
• Lead, coach, and manage a field sales team with performance management.
• Build and maintain relationships with key retail accounts, distributors, and stakeholders.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback to identify opportunities.
• Oversee promotional activities and merchandising to maximize product visibility and sales.
• Analyze sales data to forecast performance and identify growth areas.
• Ensure effective territory management and resource allocation for the team.
• Collaborate with marketing and operations for aligned initiatives.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Represent the company professionally at meetings, trade shows, and events.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Negotiation

CRM software

MS Office

Team development

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national distributor of fast-moving consumer goods, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Area Sales Manager to oversee their retail sales operations in the George region and surrounding Western Cape areas. This hybrid role requires a strategic leader who can drive sales performance, manage a team of sales representatives, and foster strong relationships with retail partners. You will be responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies, ensuring market penetration, and achieving ambitious sales targets. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in sales management within the FMCG or retail sector, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to work effectively in a hybrid capacity, balancing field activities with strategic planning. Your leadership will be key to expanding our client's presence in this crucial market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute effective sales strategies to achieve and exceed sales targets within the designated area.
• Lead, manage, and motivate a team of field sales representatives, providing coaching, training, and performance management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key retail accounts, distributors, and stakeholders in the George area.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to identify new business opportunities and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Oversee the implementation of promotional activities and merchandising plans to maximize product visibility and sales.
• Analyze sales data and market intelligence to forecast sales, manage territory performance, and identify areas for growth.
• Ensure effective territory management and resource allocation for the sales team.
• Collaborate with marketing and operations teams to ensure alignment and support for sales initiatives.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to the sales team.
• Represent the company professionally in client meetings, trade shows, and industry events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in sales, with at least 3 years in a sales management or leadership role, preferably in FMCG or retail.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing sales team.
• Strong understanding of sales processes, market dynamics, and retail operations.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic sales plans.
• Proficiency in CRM software and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to travel extensively within the Western Cape region and work effectively in a hybrid model.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to a reliable vehicle.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with attractive commission and bonus structures.
• Company car or travel allowance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Supportive management and a collaborative work environment.