REPORTING TO THE CHIEF SALES OFFICER

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The incumbent must build relationships, add value and ensure that our products are appropriately placed in the market. The incumbent will perform sales duties relating to all orders, managing key accounts, and maximising sales opportunities within Africa.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute export sales strategies to grow paint sales in African markets.
• Identify and establish relationships with new distributors, agents, and clients across Africa.
• Manage and support existing accounts, ensuring customer satisfaction and business growth.
• Conduct market research to understand regional needs, trends, pricing, and competitive activity.
• Prepare and negotiate commercial offers, contracts, and pricing agreements. 
• Collaborate with production, logistics, and finance teams to ensure timely order fulfilment and smooth export operations. 
• Attend industry trade shows, exhibitions, and networking events to promote the brand.
• Monitor sales performance by market and product line; provide monthly and quarterly reporting to management. 
• Ensure compliance with export regulations, documentation, and customs requirements in various African countries.
• Provide product training and technical support to partners and customers as needed
• Provide operating, financial transparency to guide decision making at all levels to achieve profitability goals
• Build and institute capabilities to drive and, most importantly, sustain financial and operating performance
• Accountability for achieving financial results as identified in the strategy document(s) 
• Effective customer segmentation, distributor selection/de selection, planning, marketing and competency development to deliver financial goals 
• Develop business plans and strategies with distributors in alignment with market dynamics and business goals 
• Develop sound pricing strategies in alignment within Africa pricing policies
• Work in collaboration with Sales and Marketing Team to assess market based on competitive intelligence information as well as market research initiatives 
• Drive reduction in Write-off and inventory risk to Company for Old & Slow 
• Accountable for Operational Excellence for designated sales area. Effectively deploys standard processes that enable world-class performance.
• Strong Paint technical and sales knowledge
• A very hands-on management style will be required in this role
• Ensure compliance discipline by operating within the law of the country of operation and applicable international laws and trade agreements and executing all tasks in full compliance with company policies 
• Accountable for contracts, insurance and tax documentation compliance associated with sales done from designated market to defined markets with the African region.
• Monitors customer profitability performance and directs improvements in the account plan.
• Accountable for execution of the sales process, demand planning, building distributor competency.
• This would include standardizing processes, practices, and tools to ensure efficient and profitable growth.
• This position will require management of direct reports of business consultants and admin staff.

KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION REQUIRED:

• Matric
• Bachelor’s degree (or National Diploma) in Business Administration, Sales & Marketing, International Trade 
• Advantageous, a specialization in International Business Trade 
• Sales Experience in Export is Essential
• Proven ability to drive sales growth in international markets.
• Technical understanding of decorative paints, coatings, and related products
• In-depth understanding of export regulations, customs procedures, and documentation.
• Familiarity with Incoterms, shipping processes, and cross border compliance.
• Knowledge of tariffs, duties, and international payment methods
• Strong negotiation and closing skills
• Ability to identify, develop, and expand into new export markets. 
• Building and maintaining long-term relationships with key distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. 
• Understanding client needs and providing tailored solutions. 
• Managing contract terms, pricing, and service levels effectively. 
• Ability to explain product specifications, application processes, and benefits to clients.
• Awareness of competitor products and industry trends. 
• Conducting market research and competitor analysis in African markets. 
• Developing export sales strategies aligned with company goals.
• Identifying opportunities in untapped regions. 
• Ability to prepare clear sales reports, forecasts, and performance dashboards. 
• Familiarity with digital marketing and e-commerce for export growth 
• Ability to work under pressure in competitive export markets. 
• Willingness to travel extensively and adapt to different cultural contexts. 
• Resilience in handling trade barriers, logistical challenges, or regulatory changes.
• Coordinating with supply chain, logistics, and production teams.
• Providing support and training to local distributors or sales reps.
• Leading cross-border negotiations and partnerships

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Results-Driven: Highly motivated to achieve and exceed export sales targets.
• Resilient & Adaptable: Able to thrive under pressure, adapt to changing international market conditions, and overcome export challenges.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Comfortable working with diverse clients and stakeholders across different countries and cultures
• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholds ethical business practices and builds trust with clients and partners. 
• Innovative Thinker: Seeks creative ways to grow market share and differentiate products in competitive export markets. 
• Detail-Oriented: Strong focus on accuracy in contracts, export documentation, and compliance requirements. 
• Relationship-Builder: Skilled at establishing long-term, value driven partnerships with distributors, retailers, and agents. 
• Problem-Solver: Quick to identify challenges and implement practical, effective solutions. 
• Strong Communicator: Clear, persuasive, and confident in both verbal and written communication. 
• Leadership Mindset: Inspires collaboration across internal teams (sales, logistics, supply chain) and external stakeholders. 
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Treats markets as their own business, with initiative and accountability for growth. 
• Customer-Centric: Puts client needs first, ensuring excellent service and satisfaction