Job Description

The Senior Manager: Sales Operations will play a critical leadership role in supporting and driving the sales function within the Value Added Services (VAS) department of the Financial Services - Credit Division. The incumbent will partner closely with the Head of Customer Operations to provide strategic direction, operational excellence, and business development expertise that maximizes sales effectiveness and profitability.


This role carries full accountability for structuring, planning, developing, and implementing innovative and compliant sales strategies that align with the organization's goals. The position demands a commercially astute individual who can influence product strategy through frontline sales insights, foster strategic cross-functional collaboration, and embed a culture of continuous performance improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the Head of Customer Operations to develop and execute long-term sales operations strategies for VAS. Provide strategic input on initiatives that align sales execution with business priorities and customer needs. Drive cross-functional alignment with product Heads of Department to ensure seamless integration between product strategy and sales execution. Design and implement sales processes, tools, and enablement initiatives to improve sales productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness. Ensure consistent execution of sales plans across channels to meet volume, revenue, and profitability targets. Lead sales forecasting, target setting, and pipeline management processes to inform planning and performance tracking. Identify new growth opportunities within the VAS portfolio and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to translate them into actionable initiatives. Oversee the planning and implementation of sales campaigns, training programs, and go-to-market plans that drive portfolio performance. Analyze frontline insights to guide product innovation and customer engagement strategies. Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and company policies within the sales function. Identify operational risks and implement appropriate controls and mitigation strategies. Maintain rigorous sales governance practices to uphold ethical conduct and audit readiness. Develop and deliver regular business reports and dashboards on sales performance, initiatives, and optimization efforts. Present insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders to support informed decision-making and strategic planning. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure the sales team is aligned with business objectives and identify areas for improvement.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in business administration, Marketing, Finance, or related field (essential); MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification (advantageous). Minimum of 8-10 years' experience in a sales leadership or sales operations role, preferably within Financial Services or Retail environments. Proven experience in business development, strategy execution, and operational leadership in a regulated industry. Strong understanding of the VAS landscape and credit products within retail financial services. Demonstrated ability to drive commercial performance through structured planning, team leadership, and data-driven decision-making.

Skills:

Relationship Building and Networking. Having the ability to influence decisions and key business partners is vital to the role People Management skills are critical, includes Performance management Leadership ability which encompasses being able to connect various business partners through the organisation and bringing them together on certain projects, processes and initiatives, ensuring an open harmonious and motivated work environment that reflects the organisation's leadership philosophy and organisation's values Strategic awareness and business acumen. Deep insight into the organisation's long term strategic journey and objectives. Understanding the Global and Local sourcing landscape, environment and relevant trends Customer focus and insight through understanding customer (merchants and sourcing partners) requirements and aligning them to the Group Sourcing Strategy and initiatives Process and project management skills Analytical thinking Change leadership, ability to adapt to an ongoing changes and complexities within the retail, organisation and sourcing landscape

Behaviours:

Forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective Creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success Consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions Inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organisation Takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems Effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation Thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organization. Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.

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Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.