National Sales Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid & retirement fund

Life insurance

Company car or car allowance

Career progression and leadership dev

Generous annual leave

Dynamic collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a National Sales Manager for a prominent FMCG client based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This hybrid role demands strategic leadership, a proven track record in managing large sales teams, and the ability to drive national sales performance across South Africa.

You will set targets, oversee distribution and key accounts, analyze market trends, and collaborate with marketing, product development and operations to align initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or related field.
• MBA advantageous.
• 7+ years in sales with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role within FMCG.
• Proven success in developing and executing national sales strategies.
• Experience managing large, dispersed sales teams.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with CRM and sales analytics.
• Willingness to travel nationwide; hybrid work in Stellenbosch.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement national sales strategies to achieve targets and revenue goals.
• Lead and motivate a national team of sales representatives and regional managers.
• Oversee end-to-end sales processes including distribution and key accounts.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitors to identify growth opportunities.
• Maintain strong relationships with national retailers, distributors, and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the national sales budget for optimal ROI.
• Collaborate with marketing, product development, and operations to align sales efforts.
• Refine sales processes and reporting to boost team performance.
• Provide regular forecasts and strategic insights to senior leadership.
• Stay abreast of market dynamics to maintain a competitive edge.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Communication

CRM systems

Sales analytics

Team motivation

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Marketing/Commerce

MBA (advantageous)

Tools

CRM systems

Sales analytics software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced National Sales Manager to drive sales performance across South Africa. This hybrid role, primarily based out of their offices in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , requires a strategic leader with a proven track record in managing large sales teams and developing effective sales strategies for the FMCG market. You will be responsible for setting sales targets, overseeing distribution channels, nurturing key accounts, and ensuring the achievement of national sales objectives. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional leadership abilities, a deep understanding of the FMCG retail landscape, and a relentless drive for success. This is a significant opportunity to shape the sales trajectory of a respected organization and lead a talented sales force to new heights. The National Sales Manager will be instrumental in expanding market reach and solidifying our client's competitive position. Strategic vision, coupled with a strong operational focus, is essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement national sales strategies to achieve or exceed sales targets and revenue goals.
• Lead, manage, and motivate a national team of sales representatives and regional managers.
• Oversee all aspects of the sales process, from distribution management to key account relationships.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and potential challenges.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key national retailers, distributors, and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the national sales budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and optimal ROI.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, product development, and operations teams to ensure alignment of sales efforts with business objectives.
• Implement and refine sales processes, tools, and reporting mechanisms to enhance team performance and efficiency.
• Provide regular sales forecasts, performance reports, and strategic insights to senior leadership.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and market dynamics to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field. An MBA is advantageous.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive sales experience, with at least 4 years in a senior sales leadership role (e.g., National Sales Manager, Regional Sales Director) within the FMCG sector .
• Proven track record of successfully developing and executing national sales strategies that have driven significant revenue growth.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and motivating large, geographically dispersed sales teams.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of the FMCG retail environment, distribution channels, and key account management.
• Excellent analytical and strategic planning capabilities.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and sales analytics software.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout South Africa as required.
• Must be able to work effectively in a hybrid model, requiring regular presence in the Stellenbosch, Western Cape office.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Significant opportunities for career progression and leadership development.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment within a leading FMCG company.