ENVIRONMENT:

A leading retail and wholesale company specializing in office and school supplies in South Africa is seeking a Head of Commercial Sales for the Inland Region. This senior leadership role within the office products industry will be responsible for setting strategic sales direction, overseeing regional sales teams, and driving revenue growth. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in executing sales strategies that align with the company's broader business objectives, focusing on delivering robust financial performance, optimizing operational efficiency, and nurturing key business partnerships. Please note this is an Employment Equity role.

DUTIES:

Key Responsibilities:

• As the Head of Commercial Sales, you will manage and set performance targets for Regional Sales Management and Consultants, ensuring the team achieves the annual sales growth targets and desired profit margins. You will develop and implement a regional sales strategy in alignment with broader business goals, focusing on identifying additional business opportunities and optimizing existing client relationships. The role demands building and nurturing strategic business partnerships, negotiating at senior levels with key clients, and driving business development initiatives.
• You will oversee both online and offline sales activities, ensuring the effectiveness of promotions, sales materials, and publicity efforts, while maintaining close communication with stakeholders to drive client satisfaction and engagement. In addition, you will ensure optimal stock management and will monitor sales performance through detailed analysis of distribution effects, market trends, and data interpretation.
• Your leadership will extend to overseeing budgeting processes, managing staff activities, and ensuring operational alignment with financial targets. Strong delegation, coordination, and administrative abilities are required, along with conflict-handling and HR management skills, to foster a high-performing and cohesive sales team.
• This role will require travel to meet with clients, perform field visits, and engage with team members as needed to ensure consistent growth and operational excellence.

REQUIREMENTS:

Key Qualifications and Skills:

• To be considered for this role, the ideal candidate must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification and possess 8-10 years of experience in a similar senior sales management position. Knowledge of the office product industry would be a distinct advantage. The role demands strategic thinking and the ability to translate high-level goals into actionable operational plans. Experience with QlikView for data analytics and reporting will also be highly advantageous.
• The candidate should have extensive experience in managing large regional sales teams, with a proven track record of delivering against financial targets through effective budgeting and performance management. The ability to lead teams with energy, innovation, and creativity is essential, as is the capability to work independently when required.
• You should be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and possess strong people management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities are necessary for report-writing, presentations, and client interactions. Additionally, strong negotiation skills, customer relationship management, and the ability to manage sales metrics, KPIs, and budgets will be critical to your success. Knowledge and proficiency in QlikView will be advantageous.

Desired Competencies:

• Leadership and Strategic Vision: Proven experience in leading sales teams, setting strategic direction, and implementing regional sales plans.
• Sales Expertise: Mastery of sales processes from lead generation to closing deals, with an ability to forecast sales targets and manage sales pipelines.
• Business Development: A track record of identifying new revenue streams and forming business partnerships.
• Operational Excellence: Ability to manage sales KPIs, budgets, and optimize sales processes for scalability.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and clients.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Resilient and resourceful in managing challenges, with experience in leading through change and implementing creative solutions.

While we would really like to respond to every application, should you not be contacted for this position within 10 working days please consider your application unsuccessful.

COMMENTS:

When applying for jobs, ensure that you have the minimum job requirements. OnlySA Citizens will be considered for this role. If you are not in the mentioned location of any of the jobs, please note your relocation plans in all applications for jobs and correspondence. Apply here https://www.datafin.com/job/sales-manager/

OR e-mail a Word copy of your CV to chantelle@datafin.com and mention the reference number of the job.