ph3About the Role /h3 pIn this role, you are the lead the national sales strategy and execution for Ferrero Ithemba's portfolio to achieve ambitious volume, revenue, market share, and profitability targets.
You are responsible for dirving end-to-end sales performance across all channels (modern trade, general trade/independent retail, wholesale, convenience, e-commerce, and impulse) by effectively managing internal teams and closely collaborating with outsourced sales and merchandising agencies.
Reporting to the country sales manager and trade marketing manager (matrix structure), you ensure perfect store execution, strong distributor relationships, and alignment with Ferrero's premium brand positioning in a competitive confectionery/FMCG market.
/p h3About the Role /h3 pIn this role, you are the lead the national sales strategy and execution for Ferrero Ithemba's portfolio to achieve ambitious volume, revenue, market share, and profitability targets.
You are responsible for dirving end-to-end sales performance across all channels (modern trade, general trade/independent retail, wholesale, convenience, e-commerce, and impulse) by effectively managing internal teams and closely collaborating with outsourced sales and merchandising agencies.
Reporting to the country sales manager and trade marketing manager (matrix structure), you ensure perfect store execution, strong distributor relationships, and alignment with Ferrero's premium brand positioning in a competitive confectionery/FMCG market.
/p h3Main Responsibilities /h3 pStrategic Sales Leadership And Planning /p ul liDevelop and implement the national sales strategy, annual business plan in alignment with company objectives, seasonal peaks and market dynamics.
/li liSet and achieve national sales targets (volume, value, distribution, visibility) by channel, region, and customer.
/li liLead forecasting, budgeting (PL ownership for sales), and resource allocation to optimize ROI.
/li /ul h3Team And Agency Management /h3 ul liLead, motivate, and develop teams as per people processes complying with line manager standards /li liManage performance of outsourced agencies (PFM, Market Max, Trilink, FG Knights): set KPIs, conduct regular reviews, joint business planning, incentive alignment, and ensure high-quality execution of sales calls, merchandising, activations, and promotions.
/li liOversee agency contracts, compliance, training, and continuous improvement.
/li /ul h3Channel And Customer Management /h3 ul liDrive sales and volume growth.
/li liSupport account managemers, collaborate on joint business plans, promotions, and negotiations.
/li liEnsure excellent route-to-market execution, including secondary distribution,



availability in independent outlets.
/li /ul h3Cross-Functional Collaboration /h3 ul liPartner with marketing on trade promotions, launches, brand initiatives.
/li liWork with supply chain for demand planning, stock availability, order fulfilment.
/li liCoordinate with finance on pricing, margins, trade spend, promotional ROI.
/li /ul h3Execution Performance /h3 ul liChampion perfect store standards: visibility, shelving, secondary placements, point-of-sale materials, promotional compliance.
/li liMonitor, analyze sales data, market share, competitor activity, consumer trends to identify opportunities, risks.
/li liLead national sales meetings, trade activations, seasonal campaigns.
/li liDevelop, execute regional sales plans and strategies aligned with overall company objectives /li liForecast sales, prepare budgets, track regional performance metrics; analyse data to identify trends, opportunities, areas for improvement.
/li liCollaborate with marketing and operations teams to ensure alignment on promotions, product launches, customer needs.
/li liCollaborate with key accounts to integrate regional strategies, ensuring consistency in branding, promotions.
/li liConduct regular performance reviews, provide coaching on sales techniques, product knowledge, customer engagement, and address any skill gaps through training programs.
/li liBuild and maintain strong relationships with customers /li liEnsure product availability and distribution, managing stock levels, shelf space, and point-of-sale materials.
/li liIdentify and pursue new business opportunities.
/li liEscalate insights on market challenges to senior management for strategic adjustments.
/li liManage budgets for the area, including promotional spending, travel, and team incentives, while optimizing costs without compromising results.
/li /ul h3Reporting and Administration /h3 ul liSubmit sales reports/market analysis with data informed insights regularly reporting to senior management /li liMaintain accurate records of customer visits, orders, stock levels.
/li liManage trade spend and promotional budgets /li /ul h3About You /h3 h3Requirements Experience /h3 ul liBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, or related field (postgraduate preferred).
/li li8–12+ years of progressive sales experience in FMCG, preferably confectionery, snacks,



or premium food categories.
/li li5+ years in sales management roles (national/regional level) with proven track record of delivering targets in South Africa.
/li liExperience managing outsourced sales/merchandising agencies or third-party field forces is essential.
/li liStrong understanding of South African retail landscape (modern trade chains, independent/general trade, wholesalers).
/li /ul h3Key Competencies /h3 ul liResults-oriented with a passion for exceeding targets in a fast-paced environment.
/li liCustomer-centric mindset, focused on building long-term partnerships.
/li liInnovative thinker who adapts to market changes and embraces digital transformation in sales.
/li liEthical and values-driven, aligning with Ferrero's commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.
/li liResilient under pressure, with strong problem-solving skills.
/li liStrategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities (Excel, Power BI, or similar tools).
/li liExcellent leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
/li liSuperior negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building capabilities.
/li liHigh commercial acumen, with experience in PL management, trade spend optimization, and ROI focus.
/li liResults-oriented, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
/li liFluency in English; additional local languages advantageous.
/li liWillingness to travel nationally (up to *****%).
/li /ul h3What We Offer /h3 ul liAnnual performance based premio /li liContinuous Learning and development /li liFlexible working (subject to probation outcome) /li liFavourable leave conditions /li liCareers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.
/li /ul h3About Ferrero /h3 pFerrero began its journey in the small town of bAlba in Piedmont, Italy, in ****.
/b Today, it is one of the world's largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many biconic brands /b sold in countries all over the world.
Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.
/p h3DEI at Ferrero /h3 pFerrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities.
We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way.
In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero.
The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
/p pFind out more here.
/p /p #J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 National Field Sales Manager (Route To Market) (Alba)
🏢 Ferrero
📍 Alba