Sales & Business Development Manager at African Things

Job Summary:

• African Things is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Sales & Business Development Manager to lead and grow our sales department. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving wholesale and retail sales, managing customer relationships (primarily via WhatsApp), and developing strategic initiatives to scale the business. This role requires expertise in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently while meeting key sales targets.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Customer Management

• Develop and execute sales strategies to drive revenue growth for both wholesale and retail divisions.
• Engage with potential and existing customers primarily through WhatsApp, phone calls, and emails.
• Follow up on leads, close sales deals, and manage customer relationships to ensure repeat business.
• Set and track monthly sales targets, ensuring individual and team sales goals are met.
• Provide outstanding customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving complaints effectively.

Business Development & Strategy

• Identify new business opportunities, including partnerships, collaborations, and market expansion strategies.
• Conduct market research to understand customer needs, industry trends, and competitive landscape.
• Develop pricing strategies, promotional offers, and sales campaigns to boost revenue.
• Maintain and update a sales pipeline, tracking performance metrics and conversion rates.

Reporting & Analysis

• Use Microsoft Excel to create detailed sales reports, tracking revenue, commission payouts, and performance metrics.
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations for internal meetings, showcasing sales performance and strategic insights.
• Provide management with monthly progress reports and recommendations for improvement.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Assist in building and expanding the sales team, providing training and mentorship as needed.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to align sales efforts with promotional campaigns.
• Coordinate with the logistics and operations team to ensure timely order fulfillment for wholesale and retail customers.

Other Duties

• Attend in-person meetings at the office once a week for team collaboration and updates.
• Participate in trade shows, networking events, and exhibitions to promote African Things.
• Continuously improve sales processes and customer relationship management strategies.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in sales, business development, or a related field.
• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets, preferably in wholesale or retail.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with experience handling customer inquiries via WhatsApp.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, reporting, and formulas) and PowerPoint (presentations).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a high level of productivity.
• Experience in African-inspired products, corporate gifting, or e-commerce is a plus.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously.