Sales - Director

The Duracell Company; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in battery manufacturing seeks a Sales Manager to oversee South Africa operations. The role involves managing sales teams, strategic direction, and ensuring compliance and growth in a dynamic FMCG environment. This is a high-responsibility position requiring proven leadership and exceptional communication skills.

Qualifications

• Over 7 years of sales team management experience in FMCG roles.
• Leadership experience at country or office level is advantageous.
• Reputation within the FMCG trade with senior buyers.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the performance of sales teams and agents.
• Develop and implement growth strategies for the South African market.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and enhance customer relationships.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

People Management

Data Analysis

Organizational Skills

Education

Experience in FMCG Sales Management

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Outlook

Job description

Responsibilities

• Manage the performance and oversee the development of the South African key account and sales managers.
• Set strategic direction and indirectly manage the South Africa sales agents and distributors.
• Maintain and strengthen customer relationships at the national level, both with direct accounts and those managed via distributors.
• Develop, align, and oversee the implementation of category and customer growth strategies to deliver share and category growth.
• Deliver the profit commitment of the South African business through management of sales growth, product and customer mix, trade funds and terms, POSM production, warehousing, merchandising, and promotional costs.
• Be accountable for sales and in-store sales fundamentals, compliance, and forecasting targets for South Africa.
• Assess and analyze key business metrics.
• Contribute to improving service levels to customers and reducing shelf out-of-stocks.
• Assist in the development and implementation of launch strategies for new products and initiatives.
• Champion the "80/20" principle across the sales team, distributors, and sales agents.
• Identify and close white-space distribution opportunities for the brand.
• Share ownership of the Sub-Saharan team as a key member of its leadership.
• Manage the South African office, ensuring team well-being and smooth operation of the environment.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives, with a focus on South Africa, and report monthly to TADO leadership team.
• Signatory on all legal entity documents, SARS submissions, contracts, and trade agreements for Duracell South Africa PTY Ltd.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and fiduciary requirements, uphold stewardship and compliance standards.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Proven track record in leading sales teams, talent development, and execution in FMCG environments.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong people management capabilities.
• Experience in implementing long-term strategic initiatives within the South African trade.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure with accuracy.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with experience managing substantial budgets.
• Proficiency in analyzing data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Extensive network within the South African retail trade.
• Willingness to travel extensively, primarily domestically, with occasional international travel.

Experience and Qualifications

• More than 7 years of sales team management experience in FMCG (grocery or general merchandise) roles.
• Leadership experience at the country or office level is advantageous.
• Reputation within the South African FMCG trade, especially with senior buyers and merchandise directors.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook (Intermediate to Advanced level).

About Us

Duracell is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of high-performance alkaline batteries, complemented by a portfolio of high-quality, market-leading specialty, rechargeable, and professional batteries. Our products power critical devices globally, including heart rate monitors, defibrillators, telemetry devices, smoke detectors, fire alarms, automated valves, and security systems. As a leader in the professional power category, Duracell has a history of innovation, continuously improving battery size, energy capacity, and longevity. Since March 2016, Duracell has been part of Berkshire Hathaway, focusing on sustainable growth, innovation, and creating long-term value for customers and consumers. We value integrity, accountability, swift decision-making, and a proactive "can-do" attitude.