COMMERCIAL MANAGER (RETAIL)

Indian Ocean Export Company

  • South Africa
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 months ago
Job SummaryAPEX seeks an experienced and strategic Commercial Manager (RETAIL) to join their team.Purpose of the role:The Commercial Manager (RETAIL) is a critical cross-functional role responsible for Sales dept management, accurate forecasts, aligned procurement schedules, controlled cash flow, and efficient import logistics. This is a high-accountability role requiring strong analytical skills, commercial awareness, and operational follow-through. The position is based in Seychelles and supports the import of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) from South Africa and other regions. This vital role requires the ideal candidate to have a strong background in FMCG supply chain management.Key Responsibilities:Sales Team Management
  • Drive the commercial RETAIL targets for the company and ensure consistent achievement through effective planning and execution.
  • Execute strategies for talent acquisition, employee development, and retention.
  • Lead, inspire, and develop high-performing commercial teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment with company objectives.
  • Ensure the RETAIL Sales Team have clearly defined performance targets, KPIs, structure and support to achieve their goals, deadlines and responsibilities.
  • Ensure the RETAIL Sales Team meets performance targets and KPIs.
  • Ensure the RETAIL Sales Team build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, distributors, and retailers to maximize sales and market penetration.
  • Drive communication, monitoring, mentoring and training of RETAIL Sales Team.
  • Proactively analyze Sales, develop insights and react to changing global and local market conditions, customer behaviors, macro-economic factors that are relevant to the business.
  • Mentor team members to drive accountability, high engagement, and personal growth.
Sales Forecasting & Demand Planning
  • Develop and maintain accurate, rolling sales forecasts in collaboration with the Sales team using rate-of-sale analysis, promotional calendars, seasonal factors, and historical data.
  • Ensure forecast accuracy through regular reconciliation against actuals and market dynamics.
  • Provide visibility to leadership on demand shifts, forecast risks, and assumptions.
Procurement Planning
  • Convert demand forecasts into detailed procurement plans, aligned with supplier lead times, minimum order quantities, shipment schedules, and stock holding targets.
  • Work with the Procurement team in South Africa (IOEC) to place and manage orders based on the approved procurement schedule.
  • Monitor supplier performance and flag any risk of stockouts or overstocking.
  • Maintain a central overview of shipment status, including ETAs, documentation, and clearance readiness.
  • Oversee the tracking of all placed orders through to delivery in Seychelles, coordinating with procurement, freight forwarders, and customs agents.
Cash Flow Forecasting
  • Collaborate closely with the Finance team to build forward-looking cash flow forecasts tied to procurement schedules, payment terms, and shipment timelines.
  • Support the Finance function with procurement and logistics inputs into monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning.
  • Track and report on actual cash outflows related to procurement versus forecasts.
Pricing Management
  • Collaborate with Sales, Procurement, and Finance to maintain and update pricing models.
  • Monitor landed cost changes (e.g., exchange rates, shipping, duties) and assess pricing implications.
  • Ensure pricing remains aligned with business strategy, margin targets, and cost fluctuations.
  • Provide pricing recommendations based on forecasted and actual cost inputs.
Reporting & Business Insights
  • Own and produce regular reporting on:
  • Pricing impact analyses
  • Sales forecasts and actuals
  • Procurement activity
  • Inventory status
  • Shipment tracking
  • Cash flow forecasts
  • Provide clear, actionable insights to management
Minimum Requirements for the role:Skills & Experience:
  • Minimum 7 years' experience in Sales Management, supply chain planning, demand forecasting, or commercial operations within a wholesale or distribution organization concerned with the supply of perishable foods products specifically to Retailers.
  • Strong experience with landed costs calculation, product pricing strategies and supplier cost structures.
  • Experienced in import/export processes, customs and shipping procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to build cash flow models and manage procurement timelines; managing cross-functional planning processes that span Sales, Finance, and Procurement.
  • Advanced Excel and strong competency in ERP, reporting, or planning tools.
Personal Attributes:
  • Highly analytical and numerically minded, with a commercial orientation.
  • Exceptionally detail-oriented with a methodical, structured working style.
  • Strong ownership mindset - accountable, proactive, and self-motivated.
  • Excellent communicator and cross-functional collaborator.
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