Head of Sales

Asics Italia S.R.L.; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sportswear company is seeking a Head of Sales for its South African office in Cape Town. This role involves managing the sales team, developing accounts, and executing strategic plans to enhance customer relationships. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge of the sporting goods industry, and a proven ability to drive sales. Join a company that values diversity and innovation in the sporting goods market.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in managing teams of at least five members.
• In-depth knowledge of the sporting goods industry.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead the South Africa Sales Team and develop sales strategies.
• Maintain relationships with accounts through regular visits.
• Report weekly on progress to the General Manager.

Skills

Experience managing teams (5+)

Strong knowledge of the sporting goods industry

Good command of written and spoken English

Affinity with (sports) fashion

Strong analytical skills

Tools

Advanced MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Be part of a movement that moves the world

At ASICS, we’re more than just a brand; we're a movement. A movement of movement, propelled by the belief that motion strengthens the body and uplifts the mind. Our name itself, an acronym for "Anima Sana in Corpore Sano" (a Sound Mind in a Sound Body), encapsulates this commitment. Since taking our first step in Japan in 1949, our journey has been about more than just reaching the finish lines or clocking the fastest times. It's about the joy of moving and it's open to all.

If you're inspired to move yourself and the world toward a brighter, more inclusive future, we're looking for you.

Here at ASICS, we welcome diversity in our people, their backgrounds and life experiences. So, you could be the right person for this role regardless of your age, nationality, religious beliefs, or gender identification.

Your role in our shared journey

As Head of Saleslocated at ASICS South Africa Office in Cape Town, you will own the local commercial strategy and sales activities, using a combination of exceptional leadership skills, understanding of local insights and the ability to meet the needs of diverse customer and client base. We are looking for someone who is eager to optimize sales, relationships, service and margins for our accounts while ensuring consistent and correct representation of the ASICS brand.

You will manage, lead and develop the South Africa Sales Team, with four employees reporting directly into you. Together you will develop the strategy for the accounts to achieve the commercial objectives for ASICS South Africa.

Bold yet thorough, you’ll bring new ideas to the table that you’ll constantly refine to help us better engage with our customers. Your hands-on approach and ability to work with others will impact brand consideration and help our staff and partners in their everyday tasks.

Your role will be instrumental in weaving the fabric of our movement, bringing unique perspectives and driving innovation with every step.In the role, you’ll lead the South Africa Sales Team, and be an active part in our South Africa Management Team and report into our General Manager South Africa.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Maintain and develop relations with all accounts by regular visits and strong negotiation on the composition of collections, prices, conditions and marketing activities.
• Create and execute Strategic & Key Account Plans for the customer base.
• Draft conditions/contracts for assigned Key Accounts, consult the relevant employees within the company about proposed conditions and support to drive closure of them.
• Monitor and analyse the sales and sell through figures of our customer base. Spot and analyse business opportunities with existing and potential customers and initiates follow-up action.
• Proactively instruct, support, coach and motivate the sales team with execution of their assigned customers.
• Support the General Manager with the execution of the business unit’s targets.
• Assist the General Manager in formulating the Commercial Plan and objectives for South Africa region.
• Responsible for budget planning for assigned customers.
• Report weekly on how work is progressing to the General Manager.
• Initiate coordination and cooperation with colleagues within Sales, Marketing, Finance and Operations of South Africa, as well as key sales department from of our European Headquarters (the Netherlands), to support the achievement of own objectives.

Does this sound like you?

• You’re customer-focused. You understand the value of strong customer relationships.
• You’re open-minded. You constantly look for new ways to achieve your goals.
• You’re a true team player. You believe in the power of collaboration.
• You’re detail orientated. You’re thorough and have an excellent sense of judgement.
• You’re a strong communicator. You take pride in your strong communication skills and know how to leverage these to build relationships.

You have the following skills:

• Experience managing teams (5+)
• Strong knowledge of the sporting goods industry and own products.
• Good command of written and spoken English
• Affinity with (sports) fashion / sports branch
• Knowledge of relevant systems and applications
• Strong in strategic plan development and execution.
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work under pressure and tight Deadlines.
• Advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint user
• Living in South Africa, near Cape Town

Life at ASICS

When you join ASICS, you become part of something special. Here, your voice matters, your growth and wellbeing are important. We believe in fostering an environment where every step forward is celebrated, where diversity fuels our journey, and inclusion strengthens individuals. And together and as individuals we can inspire more people to move for body and for mind.

We look forward to receiving your application online – just send your CV and motivation letter via our career page.