[Hiring] National Sales Manager @Saflin Consulting

Role Description

We are seeking a highly experienced, results-driven National Head of Sales to lead, manage and drive the performance of a national team of external sales representatives for an established manufacturing company (Hardware). The successful candidate will be responsible for driving national sales growth, managing external sales representatives across multiple regions, implementing effective sales strategies and ensuring the consistent achievement of sales targets and KPIs.

This is a senior leadership position requiring a strong sales manager who can effectively manage a geographically dispersed team, drive accountability, identify growth opportunities and deliver measurable business results. Candidates from any industry are welcome to apply, provided they have proven experience managing external/field sales representatives on a national level.

The position is primarily remote; however, the successful candidate must reside in or near Pretoria or Durban and be available to travel to the company's head offices in these locations when required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• National Sales Strategy & Revenue Growth
  • Develop, implement and execute national sales strategies to achieve revenue and growth objectives.
  • Drive monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets across all regions.
  • Identify opportunities to expand the company's national customer base and market presence.
  • Monitor regional sales performance and implement strategies to improve results.
  • Establish clear sales objectives aligned with the company's overall business goals.
  • Identify new markets, business opportunities and distribution channels.
  • Analyse sales trends, market conditions and competitor activity to support strategic decision-making.
• National External Sales Team Management
  • Lead, manage and motivate external sales representatives operating across different regions nationally.
  • Set individual and regional sales targets and ensure accountability for performance.
  • Conduct regular virtual sales meetings, performance reviews and coaching sessions.
  • Monitor the daily and weekly activities, productivity and performance of external sales representatives.
  • Ensure sales representatives are actively prospecting, visiting clients, generating leads and closing sales.
  • Implement structured performance management processes and address underperformance.
  • Provide ongoing guidance, support and training to improve sales effectiveness.
  • Ensure consistent communication, collaboration and alignment across the national sales team.
  • Conduct field visits and accompany sales representatives when necessary to assess performance and support business development.
• Sales KPIs & Performance Management
  • Establish, monitor and enforce measurable KPIs for all external sales representatives.
  • Ensure consistent achievement of individual, regional and national sales targets.
  • Track sales activity, customer visits, lead generation, conversion rates and revenue performance.
  • Monitor sales pipelines and ensure opportunities are effectively managed through to closure.
  • Identify performance gaps and implement corrective action plans.
  • Prepare detailed weekly and monthly sales performance reports.
  • Provide accurate sales forecasts and updates to senior management.
  • Drive a results-oriented culture with a strong focus on productivity, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Business Development & Market Expansion
  • Identify and develop new business opportunities across South Africa.
  • Support external sales representatives in securing new clients and expanding existing accounts.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key customers, distributors and business partners.
  • Assist with high-value negotiations and strategic customer engagements.
  • Develop initiatives to increase customer acquisition, retention and repeat business.
  • Identify underperforming regions and implement targeted growth strategies.
  • Ensure the sales team maintains a strong and consistent presence in their allocated territories.
• Leadership, Reporting & Operational Management
  • Manage the national sales function remotely while maintaining strong operational oversight.
  • Ensure effective coordination between the external sales team and internal departments.
  • Work closely with senior management to align sales strategies with business objectives.
  • Oversee regional sales planning, territory management and resource allocation.
  • Ensure accurate CRM updates, reporting and sales administration.
  • Monitor sales budgets, expenses and profitability.
  • Travel to the company's head offices in Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg as required.
  • Travel nationally when necessary to support sales operations, team performance and key customer relationships.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' sales experience in a similar role managing a national Sales team.
• Previous experience managing a national team of external/field sales representatives is essential.
• Proven track record of driving national sales targets, revenue growth and KPI achievement.
• Demonstrated experience managing sales representatives across multiple geographical regions.
• Strong experience in remote team management, performance monitoring and employee accountability.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful sales strategies.
• Strong business development, client relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Experience implementing and monitoring individual and team sales KPIs.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and people management abilities.
• Strong analytical, reporting and sales forecasting skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, CRM systems and sales reporting tools.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel nationally when required.
• Must reside in or near Pretoria or Durban, with the ability to attend head office meetings when required.
• Relevant qualification in Sales, Marketing or Business Management will be advantageous.
• Industry experience: Candidates from all industries will be considered. Previous experience within manufacturing, distribution, FMCG, automotive, building materials or related industries will be advantageous but is not essential.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of monthly, quarterly and annual national sales targets.
• Percentage of representatives achieving individual sales targets and KPIs.
• Growth in new customer accounts and revenue generated.
• Consistent improvement in sales performance across all allocated regions.
• Effective management of customer visits, prospecting activities and sales pipelines.
• Improvement in lead conversion and successful deal closures.
• Maintenance and growth of existing customer relationships.
• Effective coaching, performance management and development of external sales representatives.
• Accurate sales forecasts, performance analysis and timely management reporting.
• Growth in geographical coverage, customer reach and market share.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a strong, commercially driven and hands-on sales leader who:

• Has successfully managed external sales teams nationally.
• Knows how to motivate, monitor and hold remote sales representatives accountable.
• Is highly target-driven and focused on achieving measurable sales results.
• Has a proven ability to turn around underperforming sales teams.
• Is confident managing employees across different provinces and regions.
• Leads by example and is willing to get involved in sales activities when necessary.
• Is strategic, organised and capable of managing a national sales operation independently.
• Has excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.

Working Arrangement

• Remote Position: The successful candidate will work remotely while overseeing external sales representatives nationally.
• Location Requirement: Must be based in or near Pretoria or Durban.
• Head Office Travel: Must be available to attend meetings and business engagements at the company's Pretoria and Durban head offices from time to time.
• National Travel: Must be willing to travel across South Africa when required for sales meetings, regional performance reviews, customer visits and team support.

Remuneration

• Basic Salary: R25,000 per month
• Vehicle/Fuel Benefits: Provided as per company arrangements
• Commission: Performance-based commission structure