Job Title: Sales Head - Africa
Location: Nairobi
Department: Sales
Reports to:COO
Industry: Sports Footwear/Apparels/Accessories/Equipment
Job Overview:
The Sales Manager will lead and grow International Sports Brand across Distribution MBO (Multi-Brand Outlets) and SIS (Shop-in-Shop) channels in Africa especially in East Africa. being the first one. The role is responsible for driving sell-in and sell-out expanding retail presence building strong customer relationships and ensuring operational excellence across all partner stores. This position is strictly for those who has great Industry connections in above mentioned sales channels.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Distribution Channel Management
Develop and execute the distribution strategy for Africa.
Identify appoint onboard and manage regional distributors.
Ensure proper coverage across Africa
Track distributor performance inventory hygiene and secondary sales.
Conduct periodic business reviews with distributors (monthly/quarterly).
2. MBO (Multi-Brand Outlets) Management
Expand International Sports Brand s presence in top National & International MBOs
Negotiate margins pricing Payment terms and assortment with MBO partners.
Ensure ideal assortment planning: running football lifestyle footwear & accessories.
Monitor competitor activity within MBOs and recommend corrective actions.
Drive VM execution store staff training and brand visibility for MBOs
3. SIS (Shop-in-Shop) Management
Identify retail chains where SIS can be established (malls department stores).
Lead end-to-end SIS setup:
o Space negotiation
o Fixture installation
o Product mix planning
o Visual merchandising setup
Monitor sales performance of each SIS model and improve productivity.
4. Sales Operations & Performance
Achieve monthly quarterly and annual sell-in and sell-out targets.
Manage product launch cycles pricing promotional calendars and stock rotation.
Prepare sales forecasts and align with supply chain for inventory planning.
Conduct regular market visits to check store execution and gather feedback.
5. Team Leadership & Training
Manage and mentor a team of sales executives merchandisers and SIS staff.
Conduct regular product training for distributor sales teams and retail staff.
Build a performance culture with clear KPIs and structured reviews.
6. Business Development & Market Expansion
Identify new retail opportunities in malls sports hubs and urban centres.
Plan channel expansion for emerging towns/cities with high potential.
Lead actions to increase market share against competitors (Adidas Nike Puma Skechers On & local brands).
7. Reporting & Data Analysis
Prepare Day wise weekly and monthly reports on sales market conditions and channel performance.
Analyse data on sell-through stock ageing and regional trends to guide decisions.
Provide insights on best-selling styles slow movers and customer buying behaviour.
Manage key accounts distributors and retail partners.
Requirements
SKILLS:
Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills.
Strong analytical and planning ability.
Leadership and team management skills.
Good communication and presentation skills.
High energy self-driven and target oriented.
Ability to travel frequently across Africa.
Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in business Sales Marketing or related field.
Minimum 10 years of sales experience in Sports Footwear/Apparels/Accessories/Equipment.
Strong knowledge of Africa retail & distribution ecosystem.
Experience handling distributors MBOs and SIS formats.
Proven track record of achieving sales targets.