Commercial Sales Manager

Switch Recruit; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Recruit is seeking a Commercial Manager for FMCG-focused operations in the Western Cape. The role leads a team of BDMs to achieve revenue, margin, and profit targets aligned with budgets.

Ideal candidates have 6+ years in FMCG Commercial Management with export trading experience and strong analytics using QlikView and Qlik Sense. Travel to Africa, Middle East, and Indian Ocean markets is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Commerce, or related field.
• 6+ years’ experience in a Commercial Manager role within FMCG.
• Experience in export trading across ocean and air freight.
• Willingness to travel extensively, including travel cycles twice per quarter.
• Experience managing multiple brands or product portfolios.
• Strong analytics, reporting, and data interpretation using QlikView and Qlik Sense.
• Proficiency in French, Portuguese, or Spanish is advantageous but not essential.
• Valid driver’s licence and passport.
• MS Office proficiency in Windows environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Business Development Managers to deliver revenue, margin, and profit targets.
• Ensure pricing discipline, profitable deal structuring, and debtor control with monthly performance reviews.
• Oversee commercial governance including contracts, rebates, approvals, and risk identification.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
• Escalate risks with mitigation plans and financial impact assessments.
• Act as the primary link between the BDM team and senior leadership with clear reporting.
• Use data and performance insights to drive decision-making and improve team output.
• Lead training, coaching, and capability development.
• Drive a high-performance culture through structured performance management and continuous improvement.
• Improve operational efficiency by streamlining processes and leveraging tools.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Financial analysis

Data-driven decision making

Negotiation

Forecasting

Commercial acumen

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business/Commerce

Tools

QlikView

Qlik Sense

MS Office

Job description

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of Business Development Managers to deliver revenue, margin, and profit targets aligned to key business budgets.
• Ensure pricing discipline, profitable deal structuring, and debtor control, supported by monthly performance reviews and corrective actions.
• Oversee commercial governance including contracts, rebates, approvals, and risk identification to protect revenue and margins.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost management, including participation in quarterly review cycles.
• Escalate key risks with clear mitigation plans and financial impact assessments.
• Act as the primary link between the BDM team and senior leadership, providing clear reporting on performance, trends, and risks.
• Use data and performance insights to drive decision‑making and improve team output.
• Lead training, coaching, and capability development to strengthen commercial and sales effectiveness.
• Drive a high‑performance culture through structured performance management and continuous improvement.
• Improve operational efficiency by streamlining processes, leveraging tools, and enhancing overall team productivity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum 6+ years’ experience in a Commercial Manager role within the FMCG sector.
• Proven experience in export trading across ocean and air freight, preferably within African, Middle East, and Indian Ocean Island markets.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including travel cycles twice per quarter.
• Experience managing multiple brands or product portfolios simultaneously.
• Strong experience in analytics, reporting, and data interpretation using QlikView and Qlik Sense.
• Proficiency in French, Portuguese, or Spanish will be advantageous but is not essential.
• Valid driver’s licence and passport.
• Strong computer literacy, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and file management within Windows environments.