Regional Sales Manager - Ruminants

Msd South Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary pharmaceuticals company in South Africa is seeking a Regional Ruminant Manager to lead and execute commercial and marketing strategies. The successful candidate will manage sales capabilities, strengthen relationships with key clients, and ensure exceptional performance in achieving revenue and market share objectives. Experience in animal health sales, particularly in the ruminant market, is essential. This role offers opportunities for professional development and strategic involvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–4 years sales management or senior sales experience in animal health or Agri/pharma.
• Ruminant market experience strongly preferred.
• Proven skills in selling, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Own all commercial activities in the designated region.
• Develop territory plans and set objectives.
• Coordinate technical and product support for sales staff.

Skills

Adaptability

Animal Health Care

People Leadership

Sales Forecast

Sales Management

Sales Objectives

Sales Operations

Sales Reporting

Sales Strategy Development

Sales Territory Management

Strategic Thinking

Technical Product Sales

Education

AVCASA certification

Matric or equivalent

Tertiary qualification in Animal / Veterinary Science, Agribusiness, or Business

Tools

Salesforce

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Purpose

Lead and execute the regional Ruminant commercial and marketing strategy to achieve revenue, margin, and market share objectives within approved budgets.

Provide technical and commercial support to sales teams, key accounts, and channel partners across the designated region.

Build sales capability through active coaching, performance management, and disciplined pipeline / CRM practices.

Strengthen relationships with key veterinarians, cooperatives, agricultural wholesalers, and producer groups to drive demand and adoption.

Coordinate and deploy marketing initiatives and key account plans to exceed targets with strategic customers.

Responsibilities

Own all commercial activities in the designated region; deliver sales, margin, and market share targets.

Develop territory plans, set objectives, and manage the sales funnel and forecasts.

Maintain accurate CRM data for accounts, contacts, opportunities, and activities.

Coordinate technical and product support for sales staff and clients; ensure value-based selling and post-sale follow-up.

Lead key account planning with veterinarians and cooperatives; conduct regular business reviews with chief buyers to identify opportunities.

Initiate and manage marketing activities with key cooperatives and wholesalers; optimize promotions and trade programs.

Support new product launches demand generation, training, activation, and post-launch tracking.

Coordinate product complaints and adverse events; report to Pharmacovigilance / Technical Manager within required timelines and support investigations.

Liaise with cooperatives, agricultural wholesalers, and veterinarians on new developments, including initiatives linked to the company's Research Farm at Malelane.

Coordinate regional congresses / conferences and continuing education programs.

Deliver ongoing product and selling skills training to staff and clients; lead the Malelane Academy of Learning calendar.

Coach and develop sales representatives and OTC agents; conduct ride‑alongs, skills assessments, and performance reviews.

Monitor and control monthly expenses; manage promotional budgets and ROI.

Ensure desired margins are maintained through pricing discipline, contract / tender compliance, and mix management.

Prepare weekly activity reports, market intelligence, and monthly performance summaries for the Business Unit Manager.

Adhere to our company's policies and local regulations, including anti‑bribery / anti‑corruption, PV reporting, quality, HSE, and tender governance.

Qualifications

• AVCASA certification (or willingness to obtain within onboarding timeline).
• Matric or equivalent; tertiary qualification in Animal / Veterinary Science, Agribusiness, or Business preferred.
• Minimum 2–4 years sales management or senior sales experience in animal health or Agri / pharma; ruminant market experience strongly preferred.
• Proven skills in selling, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management.
• Strong time management, planning, and coaching capability; experience running pipeline reviews and field coaching.
• Computer literacy CRM (e.g., Salesforce), Excel / analytics, PowerPoint; comfortable with digital engagement tools.
• Basic financial acumen pricing, margins, discount structures, budget control; finance course or equivalent experience is advantageous.
• Leadership and team development.
• Strategic planning and territory / portfolio organization.
• Customer service orientation and relationship management.
• Adaptability and resilience.
• Initiative and proactive problem‑solving.
• Analytical thinking and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Sound judgment and decisiveness.
• Collaboration across cross‑functional teams.

Required Skills

• Adaptability
• Animal Health Care
• People Leadership
• Sales Forecast
• Sales Management
• Sales Objectives
• Sales Operations
• Sales Reporting
• Sales Strategy Development
• Sales Territory Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Technical Product Sales