National Sales Manager Location: JHB (National role) Role Overview Our client is seeking a strategic thinker, commercially driven and operationally strong National Sales Manager to lead and optimise our retail footprint across all key accounts. This role is responsible for managing national retailer relationships while ensuring best-in-class execution in-store to maximise sales performance and brand presence. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a balance of strategic account management and hands on operational excellence. Key Responsibilities Key Account Management Own and grow relationships with major retail partners Negotiate trading terms, promotional space, and joint business plans Drive revenue growth and margin optimisation across accounts. Ensure maximizing range per retailer and store type. Review new retail channels to determine feasibility and strategy for entry. Ensure growth strategy executed within the companys own store stable. Retail Execution & Operations Ensure consistent and high-quality in-store execution across all locations including the presentation and execution of in store demonstrators Oversee merchandising standards, stock availability, and promotional compliance Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks impacting sales Sales Performance Management Deliver national sales targets and KPIs Analyse sell-through data and adjust strategies accordingly Implement initiatives to improve conversion and basket size Ensure minimum profitability requirement is achieved per account. Team Leadership Lead and develop regional sales/merchandising teams Set clear performance targets and accountability structures Build a high-performance, execution-focused culture Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with marketing, supply chain, and product teams Align campaigns with in-store execution Ensure demand planning supports retail needs Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with company objectives. Identify new market opportunities Stay Informed on industry trends, competitor activities and market dynamics. Requirements and Experience: Minimum 8+ years experience in FMCG sales, with strong retail exposure Proven track record managing national key accounts Demonstrated success in driving in-store execution and sales growth Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills Experience leading and managing teams at scale Experience in direct-to-retail or high-volume consumer products Exposure to multi-channel retail (brick-and-mortar + promotional environments) Strong understanding of South African retail landscape Key Competencies Commercially driven and results-oriented Highly analytical with strong decision-making ability Operationally hands-on (not just strategic) Strong relationship builder at senior retail levels High accountability and ownership mindset Success in This Role Looks Like Improved retail relationships and stronger trading terms Measurable uplift in in-store execution and visibility Consistent achievement (or exceeding) of national sales targets (topline and profitability) A disciplined, high-performing sales and merchandising team Salary - R1.2 - R1.8 mill pa CTC