Job Description

: Sales Channel Manager - Retail (Gauteng Region)

Including Merchandising Experience Requirement

Position Title: Sales Channel Manager - Retail

Department: Sales & Commercial

Location: Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, East Rand, West Rand, Vaal Triangle)

Reports To: Head of Sales / Retail Channel Lead/Director

Commission Role

Role Purpose

The Sales Channel Manager - Retail is responsible for driving retail sales, visibility, and growth across the Gauteng region. A key part of the role is leading and developing merchandising execution to ensure strong on-shelf availability, compliance, and store-level performance. The incumbent manages relationships with retail chains, independent stores, and cash & carry customers, ensuring that sales targets and merchandising standards are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

1. Retail Channel Strategy & Execution

Develop and implement a retail sales strategy for Gauteng with strong emphasis on

merchandising excellence

. Identify opportunities to improve product visibility, shelf positioning, and planogram compliance. Expand coverage across formal retail, independent retailers, and cash & carry outlets. Partner with marketing and merchandising teams to coordinate in-store activations and promotional execution.

2. Sales, Merchandising & Revenue Growth

Deliver sales, margin, and volume targets through effective retail execution. Oversee

merchandising standards

including stock rotation, shelf replenishment, pricing labels, POS material placement, and promotional displays. Conduct regular store audits to monitor: Stock levels & on-shelf availability Display compliance Shelf space allocation Competitor activity Trade promotions Implement improvement plans where merchandising gaps or sales declines are identified.

3. Customer & Key Account Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with store owners, managers, buyers, and retail chain representatives. Negotiate listings, trading terms, and promotional activities with approval Collaborate with retail customers on store-specific opportunities to expand facings, increase basket share, and support category growth. Resolve retail-level challenges related to supply, service, merchandising, or stock planning.

4. Leadership of Field Sales & Merchandising Teams

Lead, coach, and support merchandisers to ensure high performance. Provide on-the-job training for merchandising standards, store engagement, and sales fundamentals. Conduct route planning and monitor field team productivity. Ensure teams adhere to planograms, promotional briefs, and visual merchandising guidelines.

5. Reporting, Forecasting & Administration

Provide accurate sales and merchandising reports using CRM or reporting tools. Track ROI on promotions, displays, and in-store investments. Ensure all merchandising activities reflect brand guidelines and regulatory compliance. Prepare monthly business reviews summarising channel performance, challenges, sales and opportunities.

Key Skills & Competencies

Strong sales merchandising experience

within FMCG or food distribution (mandatory). Solid understanding of Gauteng retail dynamics (formal retail + independent trade). Excellent negotiation, presentation, and customer relationship skills. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and in-store performance data. Ability to lead and motivate field sales and merchandising teams. Highly organised and capable of managing multiple retail accounts simultaneously. Hands-on, proactive approach with strong attention to detail in store execution.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, or Business (advantageous).

3-5+ years FMCG/food industry experience with a strong merchandising background.

Proven success driving retail sales and managing in-store execution. Experience working with retail chains, independent stores, or cash & carry networks in Gauteng. Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel daily within the region.

Personal Attributes

Energetic, self-driven, and execution-focused. Strong leadership and people management skills. Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. High integrity, professionalism, and customer-centric mindset. Ability to thrive in fast-moving retail environments.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R10000,00 - R20000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

Do you have your Own Vehicle. Do not apply if you don't Do you have direct experience working with the Cash and Carry Segment/s Have you had any experience negotiating with Buyers at Spar, Checkers and Pick n Pay Do you live in Gauteng. Do not apply if you don't
Education:

Bachelors (Preferred)
Experience:

Sales: 5 years (Required)
Willingness to travel:

100% (Required)
Work Location: On the road

Application Deadline: 2025/12/15
Expected Start Date: 2026/02/01