National Sales Manager - Snacks & Confectionery (FMCG)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a National Sales Manager in Durban to lead the snacks and confectionery division. The role focuses on developing national sales strategies, leading a high-performing team, and driving revenue across channels within the South African market.

Ideal candidates bring at least 8 years of sales experience with 5+ years in FMCG leadership, a strong network in SA retail/wholesale, and proven ability to exceed targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field.
• At least 8 years in progressive sales, with 5+ years in a sales management role in FMCG snacks/confectionery.
• Proven track record of achieving national sales targets.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Excellent understanding of the South African retail/wholesale landscape.
• Exceptional negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in CRM software and sales analytics tools.
• Willingness to travel extensively within South Africa; hybrid Durban-based role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement national sales strategies to meet revenue targets for snacks and confectionery.
• Lead, coach, and motivate a national sales team.
• Build and maintain relationships with national accounts, distributors, and retailers.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities.
• Manage the national sales budget and drive profitable growth.
• Coordinate with marketing and product teams for aligned campaigns.
• Oversee sales promotions and trade marketing initiatives.
• Provide regular forecasts and performance reports to senior management.
• Identify new business opportunities within target markets.

Skills

Sales leadership

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

CRM software

Sales analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

CRM software

Sales analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking a highly motivated and results-oriented National Sales Manager to spearhead their snacks and confectionery division. This critical role, based out of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , will be responsible for developing and executing national sales strategies, managing a high-performing sales team, and driving revenue growth across all channels. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in sales leadership within the FMCG space, a deep understanding of the South African market, and a passion for building strong customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective national sales strategies to achieve revenue targets for the snacks and confectionery categories.
• Lead, coach, and motivate a national sales team, setting clear performance expectations and fostering a culture of success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key national accounts, distributors, and retail partners.
• Analyze sales performance data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and challenges.
• Develop and manage the national sales budget, ensuring profitable growth.
• Collaborate with marketing and product development teams to ensure alignment of sales and marketing efforts.
• Oversee the implementation of sales promotions and trade marketing initiatives.
• Provide regular sales forecasts and performance reports to senior management.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the target markets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive sales experience, with at least 5 years in a sales management role within the FMCG sector, specifically with snacks or confectionery.
• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets in a national capacity.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team‑building skills.
• Excellent understanding of the South African retail and wholesale landscape.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in CRM software and sales analytics tools.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively within South Africa as required.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing office and remote responsibilities in Durban, KwaZulu‑Natal .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, including a generous performance‑based bonus structure. Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and a robust retirement fund are provided. Significant investment is made in employee development through continuous training, leadership programs, and clear pathways for career advancement. The opportunity to lead a key division within a respected FMCG company in the vibrant city of Durban is a significant draw.