Sales & Merchandise Manager

Theabsolutefishcompany; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading seafood distribution company is seeking a Sales & Merchandise Manager in Cape Town, Western Cape. This role involves leading sales and distribution efforts for chilled and frozen seafood products, securing new business, managing retail accounts, and designing merchandising strategies. Candidates should possess a strong sales background, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of seafood products. This position offers opportunities for travel and engagement within the retail space.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years of sales/merchandising experience in FMCG channels.
• Proficient in CRM systems and sales tracking tools.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new business opportunities in retail.
• Manage and grow existing accounts through engagement.
• Achieve monthly and quarterly sales targets.
• Design merchandising strategies to increase visibility.
• Provide product training to retail outlets.

Skills

Sales & merchandising process understanding

Retail account management success

Excellent communication skills

Self-motivated and entrepreneurial

Knowledge of seafood products

Valid driver's license

Education

Tertiary qualification in Sales, Business, Marketing, or related field

3–5 years of sales / merchandising experience in FMCG

Tools

CRM systems

Sales tracking tools

Excel

Job description

Reports To: Business Development Director

Industry: Retail | Wholesale | Distribution & Logistics

Job Overview

Sales & Merchandise Manager will lead the growth and distribution of our chilled & frozen seafood product range in the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new business opportunities in the independent & corporate retail space.
• Manage and grow existing accounts through regular engagement and performance reviews.
• Develop tailored sales pitches to highlight product benefits and market differentiation.
• Achieve monthly and quarterly sales targets in line with growth objectives.
• Design and implement merchandising strategies to increase in-store visibility and consumer uptake.
• Ensure planogram compliance, shelf health, POS display execution, and stock rotation.
• Monitor and respond to local merchandising trends to maintain competitive edge.
• Provide product training to all retail outlets on the product specifications & benefits.
• Conduct in-store tastings, demo days, or talks to engage customers and build product awareness.
• Represent the brand at relevant trade shows, seafood expos and industry events.
• Maintain accurate sales pipelines and weekly performance reports.
• Gather market intelligence and competitor insights to guide strategy.
• Work with marketing to align promotional efforts and co-develop campaigns.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong understanding of the sales & merchandising process.
• Demonstrated success in retail account management.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• High energy, self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Knowledge of seafood products would be strong plus.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Sales, Business, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3–5 years of sales / merchandising experience in FMCG channels.
• Proficient in CRM systems, sales tracking tools and Excel.