Job Summary
The Sales Manager is responsible for leading the company's sales operations across Zambia, driving revenue growth, expanding market presence, and strengthening relationships with wholesalers, retailers, supermarkets, pharmacies, beauty stores, and other distribution partners. The role involves managing the sales team, developing sales strategies, achieving sales targets, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring excellent customer service while maintaining strong brand representation.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy & Business Development
- Develop and implement effective sales strategies to achieve company revenue and profitability targets.
- Identify new business opportunities, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and key accounts.
- Expand the company's market share in perfumes and cosmetics across Zambia.
- Conduct market research to identify customer needs, competitor activities, and market trends.
- Develop annual and monthly sales plans and forecasts.
Sales Management
- Lead, coach, motivate, and monitor the sales team to achieve sales objectives.
- Set individual sales targets and KPIs for sales representatives.
- Conduct regular field visits with the sales team to support customer acquisition and retention.
- Monitor daily sales performance and prepare weekly and monthly sales reports.
- Ensure timely collection of payments from customers in coordination with the finance department.
Customer Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, distributors, and retail partners.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing, and promotional activities.
- Resolve customer complaints professionally and ensure high customer satisfaction.
- Maintain long-term partnerships with strategic clients.
Distribution & Trade Marketing
- Ensure proper product availability and distribution coverage across all assigned territories.
- Coordinate promotional campaigns with the marketing department.
- Monitor merchandising standards and product visibility at retail outlets.
- Recommend promotional activities to increase sales and brand awareness.
Inventory & Operations
- Coordinate with the warehouse and supply chain teams to ensure product availability.
- Monitor stock levels and recommend replenishment plans.
- Assist in demand forecasting and inventory planning.
Reporting & Performance Analysis
- Analyze sales data and market performance.
- Prepare sales forecasts, budgets, and business reports.
- Monitor competitor pricing and promotional activities.
- Present regular performance reports to senior management.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.
- MBA is an advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 5-7 years of sales experience, preferably in perfumes, cosmetics, FMCG, or consumer goods.
- At least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial sales role.
- Experience working with distributors, wholesalers, pharmacies, and retail networks.
- Experience in the African (Zambian) market is highly preferred.