FMCG Sales & Distribution Leader — Growth & Operations

Edge Executive Search Group; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Edge Executive Search Group is seeking a Sales & Distribution Manager in South Africa to lead growth and optimise distribution in a dynamic FMCG environment. The role blends commercial management with supply chain execution, balancing customer service, efficiency, and profitability.

The successful candidate will develop sales strategies, expand market share, and drive operational excellence while leading large teams across distribution and sales to achieve ambitious targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Sales, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Proven leadership experience managing large operational teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and business development capability.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
• Customer-focused with a passion for operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategies to grow market share and increase volumes.
• Lead and motivate sales and distribution teams to achieve business targets.
• Identify and develop new markets and sales channels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and key retail partners.
• Monitor sales performance and implement corrective actions where required.
• Analyse customer trends, competitor activity, and pricing to identify growth opportunities.
• Ensure merchandising standards are maintained across all customer locations.
• Oversee distribution operations to maximise product availability and customer service levels.
• Optimise fleet utilisation, distribution resources, and operational efficiency.
• Manage returns, basket control, fleet performance, and point-of-sale materials.
• Drive continuous improvement across sales and distribution processes.
• Develop talent through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and employee development.
• Manage departmental budgets while ensuring cost-effective operations.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Target driven

Customer focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sales or SCM

Job description

Edge Executive Search Group is seeking a Sales & Distribution Manager in South Africa to lead growth and optimise distribution in a dynamic FMCG environment. The role blends commercial management with supply chain execution, balancing customer service, efficiency, and profitability.

The successful candidate will develop sales strategies, expand market share, and drive operational excellence while leading large teams across distribution and sales to achieve ambitious targets.