About the position
Purpose of the job:
- The Sales Manager will be overseeing and meticulously tracking the execution of the approved strategy ensuring flawless implementation by driving results through a highly trained and engaged team. Strategic contributions will be a hallmark of your responsibilities, as you play a pivotal role in enabling measurable bottom-line results through your Sales teams. Collaboration will be key, as you will work closely with area sales managers to provide input and implement/control the company's sales strategy. This role will strive to ensure the sales force achieves set revenue and expense targets, driving the company towards sustained growth and success.
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12/ Matric
- Bachelor's degree/ Diploma in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales or a related field
- 3+ Years’ experience within the FMCG industry
- 10+ years of progressive experience in sales, with at least 3-5 years in a managerial or leadership capacity is expected
- Experience in managing a team of Area Sales Managers or sales representatives is crucial for effectively leading and guiding the sales organisation
- Willingness to travel frequently within the designated geographical area
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record required
Main Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Implementation:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy in alignment with the company's objectives and market trends
- Collaborate with senior management to set sales targets, forecast sales volumes and develop annual budgets
- Monitor and analyse sales performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies accordingly
Customer Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, distributors and partners to drive sales growth and enhance customer satisfaction
- Collaborate with marketing and product development teams to identify customer needs, market trends, and opportunities for new product development or enhancements
Market Analysis and Strategy Development:
- Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive threats, and opportunities for expansion
- Develop targeted sales strategies for different market segments, regions, and customer demographics to maximize revenue potential
Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
- Implement robust sales tracking systems and processes to monitor progress against sales targets, identify variances and take corrective actions as needed
- Prepare regular sales reports, forecasts, and presentations for senior management, providing insights and recommendations for strategic decision-making
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, production, logistics, and finance, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment of efforts
- Act as a liaison between sales team members and other departments to facilitate communication, resolve issues, and optimize business processes
Continuous Improvement:
- Proactively seek opportunities for process optimization, efficiency improvements, and cost reduction initiatives within the sales organisation
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging team members to contribute ideas and feedback for enhancing sales effectiveness
Leadership and Team Management:
- Provide strong leadership and guidance to a team of Area Sales Managers ensuring alignment with company goals and values
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide feedback, and implement corrective actions as necessary to drive results
Key skills and Competencies:
- Significant experience in sales management roles within the dairy industry or related FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sectors is essential
- Demonstrated success in driving sales growth, managing teams, and achieving revenue targets is highly desirable
- Strong leadership abilities with a proven track record of effectively leading and motivating teams to achieve ambitious sales targets
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product development, operations, and finance, to achieve common business objectives
Desired Skills:
- Continuous Improvement
- Management
- Reporting
- Sales
- SAP Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
