HEAD OF SALES & COMMERCIAL STRATEGY- Prestigious Beverage Company – Johannesburg

HEAD OF SALES & COMMERCIAL STRATEGY
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Territory: South Africa & Southern Africa
Industry: Premium Wine & Alcoholic Beverages
Reporting to: Directors
The Opportunity
Our client, an established importer and distributor of premium alcoholic beverages, is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Sales & Commercial Strategy to lead sales growth and expand its market presence across South Africa and Southern Africa.
With an established distribution network spanning major liquor retailers, wholesalers, distributors, restaurant groups and premium hospitality venues, this is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the sales function and drive the next phase of business growth.
The successful candidate will lead an existing team of three salespeople while remaining actively involved in key account management, major negotiations and new business development. Experience within the premium beverage market, particularly with prestigious champagne products, will be advantageous.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement sales strategies, budgets, forecasts and growth plans.
• Manage and grow relationships with major national retail, wholesale, distribution and hospitality accounts.
• Lead negotiations with key buyers regarding listings, pricing, promotions and commercial agreements.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities across South Africa and Southern Africa.
• Lead, motivate and develop the existing sales team, setting targets and monitoring performance.
• Work closely with the directors on commercial strategy, brand positioning and business development.
• Collaborate with marketing partners on promotions, brand activations and customer engagement.
• Monitor revenue, margins, account profitability and sales performance.
• Provide accurate sales forecasts, reporting and recommendations to support business decisions.
Minimum Requirements
• Approximately 7–10 years of sales and commercial experience, ideally within premium beverages, wine, spirits or FMCG.
• Proven experience managing major national accounts and negotiating with senior buyers.
• A strong track record in sales growth, new business development and distribution expansion.
• Previous experience leading and managing a sales team.
• Strong commercial, financial and negotiation skills.
• Established relationships within the South African liquor retail, wholesale or distribution market would be highly advantageous.
• Experience with premium wine, sparkling wine, prestigious champagne products or imported beverages would be beneficial.
• Willingness to travel nationally and regionally.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for an entrepreneurial, hands-on sales leader who can combine commercial strategy with personal involvement in winning business and building key relationships. You should be confident negotiating with senior decision-makers, commercially astute and comfortable working in a dynamic, growing business where initiative and measurable results are essential.
The Opportunity
This role offers the opportunity to join an established, entrepreneurial business representing premium international beverage brands, with responsibility for national sales performance, key accounts, team leadership and regional expansion.
If you are a commercially driven sales leader with strong industry relationships and a passion for growing premium brands, we would welcome your application

Send CVs to: redlinerecruitmentcvs@gmail.com