Trade Marketing Manager

Mama Money; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A fintech startup in Cape Town is seeking a Trade Marketing Manager to implement branding strategies and enhance visibility in informal trade channels. The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of experience in trade marketing, excellent managerial skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. If you’re ready to make an impact and work in a fast-paced environment, join us to drive brand presence and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years' experience in trade marketing or channel management.
• Experience in informal trade channels and managing distributor relationships.
• Excellent communication skills with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead trade marketing initiatives to ensure branding presence.
• Build partnerships with regional and area managers for brand visibility.
• Manage and track trade marketing budget and performance.
• Monitor competitor and market activity to maintain visibility.

Skills

Trade marketing experience

Stakeholder management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Retail execution knowledge

Job description

Who we are

Mama Money is a growth-stage fintech startup working to help migrant workers in South Africa send money home. Since 2015, we have been providing reliable remittances, at a socially fair price, to those who need it most.

Mama HQ is in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa. We are 130 people strong (and counting) from 19 countries, across Africa, Asia, UK, and Europe. Our culture is built around the well‑being of our team members and making a difference in our communities. “Just be lekker!” personifies our approach to work: we trust the wisdom of our talented and diverse team to do what is best for our customers and get the job done responsibly, without pedantic policies.

We’ve been around since 2015 and have earned a few accolades along the way, made some new friends, and expanded our reach. We’ve had some great times and some tough times, but all the while continue to keep our focus on helping people rather than maximizing profit.

To drive the in‑channel and in‑store execution of trade marketing strategies that deliver sales growth, brand visibility and category leadership. This role focuses on trade activation, shopper insight, channel execution and collaboration with sales, brand, and operations teams to maximise return on investment and market share.

As our Trade Marketing Manager, you will:

• Lead and execute trade marketing initiatives for Mama Money, ensuring our branding is present at small merchants, agent locations, community partners and anywhere informal that makes sense for our customer base.
• Build strong partnerships with our regional and area managers (agents) to locate spots to increase our brand presence in cities/areas.
• Agree on rental agreements and informal agreements to ensure we can put up branding.
• Manage and execute the implementation of murals, painting of containers, signs, informal billboards, etc.
• Keep track of all our sites, rent agreements, and when spots were last branded, so we know when to renew contracts or repaint spots.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Brand and Design to deliver creative that speaks to our customers and cuts through the noise.
• Request data and insights to guide decisions on where it would be best to focus on doing informal branding.
• Manage the trade marketing budget, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and clear reporting on trade spend and performance.
• Stay ahead of the curve by monitoring competitor and market activity to keep Mama Money visible and competitive in key markets.
• Potentially manage contractors in key locations to facilitate the above.

Background & Expertise

• 5–10 years’ experience in trade marketing, retail marketing, or channel management, ideally in fintech, telecoms, FMCG, or a similar consumer‑facing environment.
• Experience working across informal trade channels and managing distributor or agent relationships.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, you can build strong partnerships with internal teams, agencies, and external partners.
• A hands‑on, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.
• Willingness to travel across South Africa (and occasionally to regional markets).
• In the first 6‑12 months, it is expected that you will spend a large amount of time on the road implementing our informal branding strategy.
• Knowledge of POSM, merchandising, retail execution, and community activations.

Competencies & Behaviours

• Strategic thinker with execution orientation, able to deliver big picture trade plans and ensure in‑field execution.
• Results‑driven, proactive and comfortable working under pressure in a fast‑moving retail/FMCG environment.
• Collaborative and influential, able to engage with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong commercial mindset, understands pricing, margin, product mix, promotion mechanics.
• Adaptable, innovative and willing to challenge the status quo to drive improvement in trade execution.
• Ethical, integrity‑driven and aligned with the company’s values.

Why Mama?

At Mama Money, we’re not just a company—we’re a movement. Everything we do is driven by one purpose: to make life better for our customers and the communities we serve. Our customers are our heartbeat, and they inspire every step we take.

We’re all about making it easy. No red tape, no hassle. Just simple, seamless experiences that put people first, we’re here to make things easier, faster, and better for you.

We believe in giving it a go—and then giving it another go if we have to! We're a team of doers, dreamers, and innovators who aren't afraid to break the mould. We take bold steps, experiment with fresh ideas, and never stop learning.

At Mama Money, we own it—and we mean it. We take responsibility for our actions, our results, and how we show up every day. No passing the buck here. We approach every challenge with grit, passion, and determination.

Here’s the best part: Mama Money is a place that truly cares. We care about the trust our customers place in us. We care about our amazing team who bring their best every day. And we care about making an impact in the world, doing the right thing no matter what.

When you join Mama Money, you’re joining a community. We’re a passionate, down‑to‑earth crew that works hard and celebrates wins along the way. We take our work seriously, but we don’t forget to have fun while we do it.

So, if you’re ready to make a real difference, take on exciting challenges, and grow in a place where you’re valued and supported, then Mama Money is the place for you. Let’s make an impact - together.

Mama’s values

1. Making it easier for our customers
2. Give it a go
3. Just own it