Sales Manager (Automotive/Digital Marketing)

The Sales Manager is accountable for driving revenue growth through strategic leadership of the sales function. This role requires hands-on management of sales operations, team development, and client relationships while ensuring strict adherence to company products, pricing, and processes. The successful candidate will bridge the gap between sales execution and executive strategy, providing critical market intelligence and systematic client feedback to inform company direction. This position involves regular travel for client meetings, market development, and team management activities.

Core Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and mentor the sales team to achieve individual and collective targets
• Conduct weekly sales meetings with structured agendas, documented outcomes, and clear communication to executive leadership
• Perform monthly 1:1 performance reviews with each team member, documenting targets, progress, and development plans
• Approve commission schedules and ensure accuracy in performance-based compensation
• Provide ongoing training and capability development

Sales Operations Management

• Oversee daily sales activities with tight control and departmental alignment

Manage and monitor the sales pipeline including active OEM engagement and client retention analysis

• Take ownership of key client meetings, particularly at senior executive and OEM levels
• Develop and document robust sales processes to ensure consistency and scalability
• Ensure strict adherence to standard products, pricing structures, and approved contracts

Strategic Sales Management:

• Create sales strategies aligned with business goals and communicate effectively at executive level
• Identify new business opportunities through systematic market analysis
• Analyze market trends and competitor insights to inform strategic decision-making
• Collaborate effectively with marketing, operations, finance, and other internal departments
• Gather systematic client feedback on pitches, satisfaction levels, concerns, and market requirements

Performance & Accountability:

• Drive consistent achievement of KPIs and revenue targets
• Provide regular, structured reporting on sales performance, pipeline status, and strategic initiatives
• Investigate client departures and implement retention strategies
• Handle escalated client complaints and OEM communications

Essential Requirements

Education & Experience

• Grade 12/School Leaving Certificate (essential)
• Sales/Marketing qualification (essential)
• 5-10 years sales experience with minimum 3 years in leadership/management role
• Proven track record of consistently meeting/exceeding sales targets
• Experience managing and coaching high-performing sales teams

Industry Knowledge

• Online marketing industry experience (website design/development, PPC, SEO, banner advertising, reputation management, ad creation) - highly advantageous
• Motor industry experience - highly advantageous

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking with ability to translate goals into actionable plans
• Strong self-management and organizational abilities
• Problem-solving orientation with results focus
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Fair command of written and spoken Afrikaans

Practical Requirements

• Valid driver's license and own vehicle (essential)
• Own laptop and reliable internet connection (essential)
• Regular travel required for in person client meetings, market development, and team management

Key Success Metrics

• Achievement of revenue targets and KPI performance
• Team performance improvement and retention
• Pipeline growth and conversion rates
• Client satisfaction and retention metrics
• Quality and timeliness of strategic reporting
• Adherence to pricing and process standards
• Cross-departmental collaboration effectiveness