Sales Manager

Ad Talent; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Ad Talent in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Digital Advertising Sales Manager to lead new business growth across agencies and advertisers in South Africa. You will own the sales cycle from lead generation to closing, build a robust pipeline and drive revenue growth with senior stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in digital advertising or online media sales, a strong SA market network, and proven ability to win new business, manage relationships and exceed targets in a

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional experience with digital advertising or online media sales.
• Strong knowledge of South African digital advertising and the Johannesburg market.
• Established network across brands, advertisers and media agencies.
• Proven track record in new business development and client acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across agencies and advertisers.
• Build, manage and develop a strong sales pipeline.
• Drive new client acquisition, onboarding and product adoption.
• Develop opportunities contributing to revenue and sales targets.
• Identify opportunities to increase digital ad spend and share of wallet.
• Own the sales process from lead generation to closing and onboarding.

Skills

New business

Lead generation

Relationship mgmt

Digital advertising

Sales

Negotiation

Networking

Storytelling

Presentation

Analytics

Tools

Google Ads

SA360

Job description

Who are we?

We are a global technology and digital advertising business helping brands and agencies connect with consumers through data-driven advertising solutions across search, display, mobile, and digital media. We operate across multiple markets and partner with leading technology platforms to deliver scalable advertising solutions. We combine technology, data, and media expertise to help advertisers improve performance, reach new audiences and drive measurable commercial results. We are looking for a commercially driven sales professional to help grow our digital advertising business in South Africa.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced Digital Advertising Sales Manager with a strong understanding of the South African media and advertising landscape. You will be responsible for identifying and winning new business, developing strategic agency and advertiser relationships, and growing revenue across a portfolio of digital advertising solutions. The ideal candidate will have an established network across brands, media agencies and key advertising stakeholders, with the ability to build a pipeline from the ground up and convert opportunities into long‑term commercial partnerships. You should be confident engaging with senior decision‑makers, presenting complex digital solutions in a clear and compelling way, and working in a fast‑paced, target‑driven environment.

What will you do?

New Business & Revenue Growth

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across agencies and advertisers.
• Build, manage and continuously develop a strong and predictable sales pipeline.
• Drive new client acquisition, onboarding and product adoption.
• Develop opportunities that contribute directly to revenue and sales targets.
• Identify opportunities to increase digital advertising spend and share of wallet.
• Own the sales process from lead generation and relationship building through to negotiation, closing and onboarding.

Client and agency relationships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key advertisers, media agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Engage with budget holders, media planners, marketing leaders and senior decision‑makers.
• Leverage your existing industry network while continuously developing new relationships.
• Lead regular, meaningful client engagements focused on business growth and customer value.
• Understand client objectives and develop tailored advertising solutions to address their needs.

Sales strategy and solution selling

• Develop compelling, insight‑led pitches and presentations for clients and agencies.
• Translate digital advertising capabilities into clear commercial opportunities.
• Use data, market insights and performance metrics to inform sales strategies.
• Collaborate with internal account management, strategy and other teams to develop customer plans and maximise revenue opportunities.
• Stay up to date with developments across search, digital media, advertising technology and the broader digital ecosystem.

Performance and development

• Consistently work towards and achieve revenue and sales KPIs.
• Maintain accurate pipeline forecasting and business planning.
• Take ownership of personal performance, development and industry knowledge.
• Complete relevant training and continuously develop your digital advertising expertise.
• Travel when required to meet clients, strengthen partnerships and develop new business opportunities.

What you need

Essential

• 6+ years' overall professional experience, with at least 3 years' experience in digital advertising, online media sales or a related commercial role.
• Strong knowledge of the South African digital advertising and media landscape, particularly the Johannesburg market.
• An established network across brands, advertisers, media agencies and other digital industry stakeholders.
• Proven experience in new business development and building a client base from the ground up.
• Strong lead generation, prospecting, networking and relationship-management skills.
• Proven track record of achieving or exceeding revenue and sales targets.
• Experience selling digital media or advertising solutions.
• Strong consultative and solution‑selling capabilities.
• Excellent presentation, storytelling and communication skills, with the ability to engage audiences at all levels of an organisation.
• Strong commercial and analytical mindset, with a focus on metrics, performance and revenue.
• Ability to understand client needs and develop customised, customer‑focused solutions.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a high level of ownership and accountability.
• Willingness to travel for client meetings and business development.

Advantageous

• Experience with Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and paid search advertising.
• Knowledge of platforms such as Google Ads, Microsoft/Bing Ads, SA360 or similar advertising platforms.
• Understanding of display, native, mobile and programmatic advertising.
• Strong understanding of the broader digital advertising ecosystem.
• Previous experience in digital media sales within an agency, media owner, ad‑tech or technology environment.

REQUIREMENTS

• Advertising
• Analysis
• Communication
• Networking
• Sales
• Storytelling
• Business
• Planning
• Client
• Relationship
• Management