Key Account Manager / Sales Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and driven sales professional to grow a white goods business in South Africa.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and managing sales channels, building strong customer relationships, and driving business growth within the home appliance sector.

This role offers the opportunity to work across major retail and distribution networks in the white goods industry, including refrigerators, washing machines, freezers, and other household appliances.

Product Category

White goods / major household appliances:

• Refrigerators

• Washing machines

• Freezers

• Other large home appliances

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Account Management

• Develop and manage sales channels for white goods products

• Build and maintain strong relationships with retailers, distributors, and dealers

• Manage and grow key accounts across assigned channels

• Negotiate pricing, trading terms, and commercial agreements

Business Development

• Identify and secure new business opportunities and accounts

• Expand product presence across retail and distribution networks

• Leverage existing industry relationships to drive growth

Sales Performance

• Achieve sales targets and revenue growth objectives

• Manage pipeline, forecasting, and sales reporting

• Ensure consistent follow-up and conversion of opportunities

Market & Industry Insight

• Monitor competitor activity and market trends

• Provide feedback on customer needs and market opportunities

• Support pricing and product positioning recommendations

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams including product, logistics, finance, and after-sales

• Ensure smooth order processing and customer satisfaction

• Provide regular sales and market reports to management

Senior-Level Contribution (Sales Manager Level)

• Support broader sales strategy and planning

• Contribute to channel development initiatives

• Assist with coordination of sales activities where required

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in white goods / home appliance sales, key account management, or channel sales

• Strong experience with major appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and freezers

• Proven experience in B2B sales, retail channel sales, or distributor management

• Strong existing customer base or industry relationships is highly advantageous

• Demonstrated ability to develop new business

• Good understanding of the South African home appliance market and retail channels

• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills

• Self-motivated, target-driven, and able to work independently

• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel when required

Candidate Level Guide

Key Account Manager Level

• Experience managing retail or distributor accounts

• Ability to independently manage customer relationships

• Solid track record of meeting sales targets

• Some existing industry relationships

Sales Manager Level

• More senior experience within the white goods industry

• Strong established network across retail and distribution channels

• Proven ability to drive revenue growth and expand market share

• Broader commercial and strategic capability

Preferred Experience

Candidates from white goods, home appliances, or related distribution environments such as:

• Hisense

• Samsung

• LG

• Defy

• Bosch, Whirlpool, Midea, TCL, Haier

• Appliance distributors, wholesalers, and retail channel suppliers

Must-Have Requirements

• 5+ years white goods / appliance sales experience

• Key account management or channel sales experience

• Experience with major appliances (fridges, washing machines, etc.)

• Existing customer or distributor network advantageous

• Strong new business development ability

• South African market experience

Not Suitable For

• Candidates only selling small electronics or accessories

• Pure retail store sales experience without B2B exposure

• Candidates without industry network or business development experience

• Candidates from unrelated industries (FMCG, telecoms, furniture, etc.)