Sales & Operations Manager

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the beauty industry seeks a seasoned Sales Manager to drive growth and optimize retail operations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in team management, negotiation, and project oversight, ensuring alignment with commercial goals and strategies. This role involves collaborating across teams, managing inventory, and analyzing market trends to enhance performance. Candidates should be willing to travel and possess a valid driver’s license and passport.

Qualifications

• 7 - 10 years' experience in a relevant field.
• Experience in team people management.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales growth through strategic projects and commercial deals.
• Lead training programs and manage inventory effectively.
• Analyze retail and market data to identify opportunities.

Skills

Negotiation

Project Management

Collaboration

Data Analysis

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Description

• Drive sales growth through strategic projects, commercial deals, and stretch targets.
• Align annual sales plans with SSA fiscal goals; optimize distributor and retail operations.
• Analyze project results, manage retail targets, demo, and commission lines.
• Ensure order accuracy and effective stock management for sustained retail growth.
• Oversee commercial pipeline, forecast accurately, and identify sales risks.
• Support top-door strategies and annual business plans with partners.
• Conduct regular sales reviews and provide performance updates to leadership.
• Build strong partner relationships and support store selection and negotiations.

Retail Operations

• Collaborate across teams to align retail goals and negotiate sell-ins.
• Lead training programs across brands with Education teams.
• Manage inventory, reduce excess, and address expired/discontinued stock.
• Interface with internal/external teams for support, product ideas, and market needs.
• Ensure timely forecasting and stock replenishment with retail partners.
• Support VM planning, store maintenance, and counter refurbishments.
• Monitor market trends, grey markets, competitor activity, and sales force needs.
• Ensure timely execution of launches and accurate performance reporting.

Commercial & Financial

• Maintain commercial oversight and align plans with ELC policies and strategy.
• Analyze retail and market data to identify opportunities and trends.
• Support budgeting, reporting, and financial forecasting with the Country Manager.
• Monitor OPEX spend and manage fiscal year estimates, T&E, and A&P budgets.
• Improve commercial processes, ensure policy compliance, and manage contracts.

People Management

• Lead team performance aligned with brand and sales strategy.
• Set clear objectives, conduct appraisals, and manage PDPs.
• Coach and develop team members, supporting career growth.
• Foster collaboration and inclusion; lead hiring decisions.

Requirements & Experience

• 7 - 10 years' experience
• Team People Management Experience
• Confident negotiator
• Experience of multiple project management
• Advanced MS Office – Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Prestige Beauty industry and Sub-Saharan Africa knowledge/experience is advantageous
• Willing to travel (45%)
• Full, unrestricted Driver’s License; Valid Passport