Brand Manager – Automotive

Brand Manager – Automotive

We are seeking a driven, commercially focused, and dynamic Regional Sales Manager to join our team based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

This role is responsible for leading the regional sales function for designated automotive brands, across East Africa, driving sustainable sales growth, enhancing country distributor and dealer performance, and ensuring alignment between sales, marketing, and operational objectives.

 Key Responsibilities

Regional Sales Management

• Manage and oversee the regional sales function across assigned African markets for the relevant brands.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on regional sales performance and market trends.
• Manage the end-to-end ordering process, including demand forecasting and order planning between the country distributor and dealer network and OEMs for the relevant brands.
• Oversee pricing strategies in collaboration with the Marketing and Finance departments.
• Participate in the annual budgeting process, sales forecasting, and target setting for the relevant brands.
• Ensure alignment between regional sales and marketing strategies.
• Develop and implement sales training initiatives across the region.
• Conduct regular in-country visits to support business objectives and strengthen dealer relationships.
• Support general sales operations and contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives for the country distributor and dealers for the assigned brands.

 Dealer Management and Performance Oversight

• Conduct country distributor and dealer network audits and inspections, with a focus on vehicle sales operations and stock management.
• Monitor dealership sales performance against agreed targets and business plans.
• Analyse market share performance and benchmark results against competitors.
• Ensure adherence to corporate policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Develop and implement action plans to improve sales volumes and dealership profitability.
• Ensure optimal model mix and inventory management across dealerships.
• Monitor ageing stock levels and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Verify vehicle stock in conjunction with the Operations department.
• Ensure dealer staff training plans are implemented and completed.
• Deliver sales training and coaching where required.
• Review and monitor Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) results where relevant and identify improvement opportunities.
• Assist country distributor and dealer network with sales planning, forecasting, and target achievement.
• Support the Marketing team by reviewing websites and social media activity for assigned brands.
• Ensure dealer compliance with approved marketing plans and brand standards.
• Evaluate dealership CRM utilisation and effectiveness.
• Conduct inspections relating to corporate identity, branding, and overall dealership standards.
• Identify operational challenges and provide practical support and solutions.
• Conduct occasional visits to sub-dealer networks.

 Candidate Requirements

• Relevant Diploma or Degree (essential).
• Minimum 10 years' senior management experience within the motor industry.
• Proven experience in sales management, dealer development, and business performance improvement.
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Exceptional negotiation, relationship-building, and communication abilities.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and capable of working independently.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively across Africa.
• Strong focus on achieving sales targets and driving business growth.