Regional Sales and Merchandising Manager (KZN)

Salary: Market related

Location: Kwa-Zulu Natal

Job type: Permanent

Industry: Fashion Accessories / FMCG

Reference: MJ.RSMM.CSM.11092026

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Our client is within the fashion accessories / FMCG sector and is seeking a sales-driven, commercially minded and highly organised Regional Sales and Merchandising Manager who understands that successful sales management requires both strong field execution and strong administration. This position is based in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

JOB DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE:

The Regional Sales & Merchandising Manager is responsible for driving sales growth and managing the Sales and Merchandising operation across KwaZulu-Natal.

This is a hands-on role combining sales, new business development, customer growth, people management, merchandising and regional administration.

The successful candidate must be commercially driven and comfortable working both in the field and with the administrative and analytical requirements of managing a region.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales & Customer Growth

• Achieve regional monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets.
• Manage and grow existing customers through ranging, additional listings, increased distribution and sales initiatives.
• Review customer and product performance to identify growth opportunities.
• Identify range gaps, underperforming accounts and missed sales opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with customers and ensure excellent service.
• Drive promotional, seasonal and stock-clearing initiatives where appropriate.
• Monitor competitor activity and market opportunities.

New Business Development

• Actively identify and prospect for new customers.
• Cold call, arrange appointments and open new accounts.
• Present suitable product ranges and prepare quotations.
• Maintain a new-business pipeline and follow opportunities through to conversion.
• Drive the Sales team to continually identify new customers and opportunities.

Sales & Merchandising Team Management

• Lead, manage and motivate the regional Sales Representatives and Merchandisers.
• Set targets, priorities, routes and performance expectations.
• Monitor sales and merchandising productivity.
• Coach staff through regular field visits and performance discussions.
• Ensure appropriate customer call cycles and store coverage.
• Manage performance, attendance, leave and regional staff requirements.
• Recruit and train staff where required.
• Create a culture focused on sales, accountability and execution.

Merchandising & Store Execution

• Ensure high merchandising standards across the region.
• Monitor stock availability, ranging, shelf space and planogram compliance.
• Regularly review store photographs to assess execution and identify opportunities.
• Ensure merchandising issues are corrected promptly.
• Conduct store visits to validate execution and coach the team.
• Identify opportunities to improve product visibility, ranging and sales.

Regional Administration & Planning

This role has a strong administrative component in addition to sales.

• Updating and maintaining delivery lists.
• Preparing and maintaining Sales and Merchandising routes and call cycles.
• Managing regional petty cash and supporting documentation.
• Managing time and attendance, leave and staff coverage.
• Reviewing store photographs and following up actions.
• Maintaining customer, sales and new-business trackers.
• Preparing weekly and monthly reports.
• Ensuring accurate communication and reporting to Head Office.
• Maintaining strong administrative controls and meeting deadlines.

Sales Reporting & Excel Analysis

The successful candidate must be highly proficient in Excel and comfortable working with large volumes of sales and operational data.

• Analyse sales by customer, representative, store, area and product.
• Monitor performance against budget, targets and previous periods.
• Identify sales trends, growth opportunities and areas of concern.
• Prepare meaningful regional reports and action plans.
• Use data to guide ranging, customer and team decisions.

Candidates must be comfortable with PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, formulas, filters, data analysis and large datasets.

Excel proficiency will be practically tested during the recruitment process.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Grade 12
• Relevant tertiary qualification (Diploma or Degree) will be an added advantage

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Minimum 2 years' relevant FMCG or retail sales experience.
• Sales team leadership/management experience advantageous.
• Proven ability to grow customer accounts.
• Confident and willing to cold call and develop new business.
• Strong customer relationship and negotiation skills.
• Strong Excel and data-analysis skills.
• Excellent administrative and organisational ability.
• Strong commercial and business acumen.
• Valid driver's license and own reliable vehicle.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
• The ideal candidate can:
  • Grow an existing customer.
  • Cold call and open new business.
  • Identify ranging and distribution opportunities.
  • Lead and motivate a Sales and Merchandising team.
  • Analyse sales data and turn it into action.
  • Manage routes, staff and regional administration.
  • Maintain high merchandising standards.
  • Take ownership of the overall performance of the KZN region.

POPIA NOTICE

By submitting your CV, you acknowledge and agree that:

1. We may retain your personal information in our database for future employment opportunities and matching purposes.
2. We may contact you should a suitable position become available.
3. The information you have provided is true, correct, and up to date.

We endeavour to respond to all applications. However, if you do not hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.