Area Sales Manager

Permanent · KwaZulu-Natal (Durban)

About the role

We're looking for a commercially driven, relationship-focused sales professional to lead and grow our business across KwaZulu-Natal.

As Area Sales Manager, you'll be responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth, strengthening relationships with key customers across formal grocery retail, pet and vet groups/independents and emerging retail, and leading a high-performing sales team within your region. You'll combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution—identifying new opportunities, growing market share, and ensuring exceptional customer service while delivering against ambitious commercial targets.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys developing people, and is passionate about building long-term customer partnerships.

What you'll be doing

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKET GROWTH

You'll drive profitable sales growth across your territory by identifying new business opportunities, expanding existing customer relationships, and ensuring sustainable market share growth. You'll analyse sales performance, implement action plans where required, and develop a strong sales pipeline that supports long-term business success.

KEY ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

You'll build and maintain strong relationships with key customers groups, ensuring consistent engagement, exceptional service, and long-term partnerships. You'll oversee promotions, trade agreements, and the implementation of company sales and marketing strategies while effectively resolving customer concerns and identifying opportunities to grow each account.

SALES LEADERSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT

You'll lead, coach, and support your sales team to achieve regional objectives through clear direction, regular performance management, and ongoing development. You'll oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members while fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and customer excellence.

SALES OPERATIONS & PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

You'll monitor sales performance against budgets and targets, prepare forecasts and sales projections, and use data-driven insights to improve business performance. You'll ensure accurate CRM reporting, customer segmentation, call planning, and sales activity management including 3rd party merchandising companies while maintaining high standards of execution across the region.

FINANCIAL & COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT

You'll manage regional sales budgets and operating expenses, ensuring expenditure remains within approved parameters. You'll oversee pricing strategies, promotional spend, travel expenses, and other commercial activities while supporting profitability and sound financial decision-making.

BRAND REPRESENTATION & MARKET ENGAGEMENT

You'll represent the business professionally at trade shows, conferences, customer meetings, and industry events. You'll deliver product presentations and demonstrations, strengthen the company's market presence, identify emerging market opportunities, and contribute to the continued growth of the brand.

What you'll bring

• Matric (essential)
• Tertiary qualification in Sales, Business, Marketing, or a related field will be advantageous
• Postgraduate qualification in Sales or Business Management will be preferred
• Valid Code B driver's licence and own reliable vehicle
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a B2B sales environment within retail or wholesale channels
• Proven experience in Sales Management with a strong track record of achieving commercial targets
• Experience within the pet industry will be advantageous
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing sales strategies
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and sales performance analysis
• Advanced computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems
• Excellent planning, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
• Customer-focused with a strong commercial mindset and passion for delivering results

Skills & Knowledge

• Strategic sales planning and territory management
• Key account management and business development
• CRM systems and sales reporting
• Sales forecasting and performance analytics
• Budget and expense management
• Customer relationship management
• Negotiation and commercial decision-making
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
• Team leadership and coaching

Personal Attributes

• Commercially driven and results-oriented
• Strong customer service mindset
• Natural relationship builder
• Confident and professional communicator
• Analytical with sound decision-making ability
• Highly organised with strong planning skills
• Self-motivated and resilient
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic environment
• Passionate about developing people and delivering exceptional business results

Pay: R450 000,00 - R550 000,00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal