Regional Commercial Manager

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle and fuel allowance for

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Regional Commercial Manager to lead commercial operations in Soweto, Gauteng. You will drive sales, trade marketing, and key account management with full P&L responsibility in a large FMCG market.

The role requires 7–9 years of FMCG sales/ commercial leadership, strong negotiation and budgeting skills, and willingness to travel extensively within the region. A strategic mindset and team leadership are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Admin, Sales Management, or a related field.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is highly advantageous.
• A minimum of 7-9 years of progressive experience in sales and commercial management, with a strong emphasis on the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of achieving ambitious sales and profitability targets in a challenging market.
• In-depth knowledge of the FMCG market dynamics, distribution channels, and retail landscape in Gauteng.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in sales forecasting, budget management, and commercial analytics using relevant software.
• Strategic thinking and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the designated region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive commercial strategies to achieve sales volume, market share, and profitability targets for the Soweto region.
• Lead and manage the regional sales team, providing direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure high levels of productivity.
• Manage key customer accounts and build strong, collaborative relationships with retailers, wholesalers, and distributors.
• Oversee trade marketing activities, ensuring effective implementation of promotional plans and merchandising strategies.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and challenges, and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Manage the regional commercial budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and optimal return on investment.
• Ensure consistent product availability and optimal stock levels across the distribution network.
• Monitor and report on key commercial performance indicators (KPIs) to senior management.
• Collaborate with supply chain and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of commercial plans.
• Identify opportunities for new business development and market expansion within the region.

Skills

Leadership

Sales management

Negotiation

Communication

Forecasting

Budget management

Analytics

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

Tools

CRM software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major distributor of consumer goods, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Regional Commercial Manager to lead its commercial operations in the expansive Soweto, Gauteng region. This role demands a strategic leader with a deep understanding of the FMCG market, exceptional sales management capabilities, and a proven ability to drive profitable growth. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing sales, trade marketing, and customer relationships within this key market. This is a critical leadership position with significant P&L responsibility and the opportunity to make a substantial impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive commercial strategies to achieve sales volume, market share, and profitability targets for the Soweto region.
• Lead and manage the regional sales team, providing direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure high levels of productivity.
• Manage key customer accounts and build strong, collaborative relationships with retailers, wholesalers, and distributors.
• Oversee trade marketing activities, ensuring effective implementation of promotional plans and merchandising strategies.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and challenges, and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Manage the regional commercial budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and optimal return on investment.
• Ensure consistent product availability and optimal stock levels across the distribution network.
• Monitor and report on key commercial performance indicators (KPIs) to senior management.
• Collaborate with supply chain and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of commercial plans.
• Identify opportunities for new business development and market expansion within the region.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Sales Management, or a related field.
• An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is highly advantageous.
• A minimum of 7-9 years of progressive experience in sales and commercial management, with a strong emphasis on the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of achieving ambitious sales and profitability targets in a challenging market.
• In-depth knowledge of the FMCG market dynamics, distribution channels, and retail landscape in Gauteng.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in sales forecasting, budget management, and commercial analytics using relevant software.
• Strategic thinking and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the designated region.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package with attractive performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career growth and professional development within a leading organization.
• A challenging and rewarding role in a vibrant market in Soweto .
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance for business use.
• Generous annual leave and other statutory benefits.