Sales Acceleration Manager

Royal Canin South Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 45 000 - 85 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Sales Acceleration Manager to spearhead customer development and sales initiatives across South Africa. In this pivotal role, you'll drive brand visibility and growth by executing insightful strategies that resonate with shoppers. Your expertise in trade marketing and category management will be crucial as you collaborate with diverse teams to enhance customer experiences and maximize ROI. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a purpose-driven company committed to making a positive impact while offering competitive salaries and benefits. If you're passionate about driving sales and creating engaging customer strategies, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Industry-competitive salary

Company bonus

Best-in-class learning and development support

Diverse and inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Trade Marketing or Category Management.
• Strong customer and marketing experience with proven ability to translate brand strategies.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute the sales acceleration strategy for brand growth.
• Lead in-store excellence initiatives ensuring impactful shopper experiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver strong business results.

Skills

Trade Marketing

Category Management

Customer Insights

Negotiation Skills

Promotional Planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing

MBA

Job description

Sales Acceleration Manager at Royal Canin, Johannesburg, South Africa

We are seeking a Sales Acceleration Manager to lead impactful customer development and sales initiatives across South Africa. In this role, you'll bring our brand strategy to life at the point of purchase, ensuring every activation is insight-led, shopper-focused, and flawlessly executed. Working at the intersection of sales, marketing, and category management, you'll play a key role in driving visibility, conversion, and growth across all channels.

What are we looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing or a related field. An MBA is advantageous.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Trade Marketing or Category Management.
• Experience in managing promotional planning, retailer collaboration, and shopper insights.
• Strong customer and marketing experience, including selling, negotiating, and leveraging insights. Proven ability to understand and translate brand strategies into engaging customer strategies that are mutually beneficial for the company and the customer.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally based on company requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Shape and execute the sales acceleration strategy to grow Royal Canin and Eukanuba brands across all channels, ensuring alignment with global and regional priorities.
2. Lead in-store excellence initiatives, including Perfect Store and Perfect Clinic activations, ensuring consistent brand visibility and impactful shopper experiences.
3. Drive commercial planning by developing activation plans, deploying tools, and overseeing trade activities that bring the brand to life at the point of purchase.
4. Lead category development efforts by turning shopper insights into growth strategies, influencing internal stakeholders, and partnering with key customers to unlock category potential.
5. Oversee inventory, budget, and procurement processes to ensure efficient resource use and strong ROI across promotional and merchandising initiatives.
6. Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and external partners to ensure plans are insight-led, customer-centric, and deliver strong business results.

What can you expect from Mars

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented associates, guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Access best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including Mars University.
• Receive an industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.
• Mars is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Assistance or accommodations during the application process are available upon request, and no applicant will be penalized for such a request.

Required Experience

Manager

Key Skills