National Sales Director

Sales Director | Bryanston, Johannesburg | Permanent Lead the commercial turnaround of one of South Africa’s most recognised FMCG manufacturers. This is an opportunity to shape strategy, rebuild market momentum, and drive growth at executive level. This company is embarking on a significant five-year growth journey supported by substantial investment and a renewed commercial focus.

As Sales Director, you will take ownership of the national sales strategy, lead key customer relationships, and drive performance across both Retail and Away-From-Home channels. You will play a critical role in restoring competitive strength, strengthening retailer confidence, and delivering sustainable revenue growth.

This role requires a commercially astute leader who can balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, working directly with major customers and internal stakeholders to achieve ambitious targets. What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute a national sales strategy aligned to long-term growth objectives
• Drive new business development across retail, wholesale, and institutional channels
• Build and strengthen executive-level relationships with major retailers and strategic customers
• Lead and optimise both Retail and Away-From-Home sales functions
• Identify commercial opportunities and market gaps to improve performance
• Provide market intelligence relating to pricing, competitors, and customer trends
• Improve sales forecasting, pipeline management, and account planning processes
• Collaborate with Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure commercial alignment
• Drive revenue growth across a R3.5 billion sales portfolio
• Present performance insights and strategic recommendations to executive leadership

What You Bring

• Minimum 10 years’ senior sales leadership experience within FMCG
• Strong track record managing large national retail and wholesale accounts
• Experience engaging with major South African retailers including SPAR, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Boxer, or similar
• Proven ability to develop and execute commercial sales strategies
• Strong business acumen with experience managing large revenue portfolios
• Ability to operate effectively in a lean, fast-moving environment
• Relevant degree in Business, Commerce, Marketing, or a related field
• MBA or postgraduate commercial qualification advantageous
• Experience within tissue, hygiene, paper, or related consumer goods sectors advantageous What Success Looks Like
• Improved retailer relationships and stronger customer confidence
• Sustainable revenue growth across key channels
• Increased market competitiveness and account penetration
• Enhanced sales team performance and accountability
• Improved forecasting accuracy and pipeline visibility
• Successful execution of strategic growth initiatives
• Achievement of commercial objectives aligned to the five-year growth plan
• Strong contribution to overall business turnaround and profitability