Job Description
Sales Representative - FMCG
FMCGSales Representative
Overview
FMCG Sales Representatives drive product distribution and sales growth for fast-moving consumer goods brands in retail outlets, ensuring optimal shelf presence and building strong relationships with store managers and buyers.
Key Responsibilities
- 1Visit assigned retail outlets daily to ensure product availability and visibility
- 2Execute promotional campaigns and in-store activations for brand products
- 3Negotiate shelf space and optimal product placement with store managers
- 4Take and process orders using mobile sales applications
- 5Monitor competitor activities and pricing strategies
- 6Maintain product stock rotation using FIFO principles
- 7Achieve monthly sales targets and distribution objectives
- 8Build and maintain relationships with store owners and buyers
- 9Conduct product demonstrations and sampling campaigns
- 10Ensure compliance with merchandising standards and planograms
- 11Report market intelligence and consumer feedback to management
- 12Manage credit control within assigned territory
Requirements
Education
Matric/Grade 12; Sales or Marketing qualification advantageous
Experience
1-3 years FMCG or retail sales experience
Skills
- ✓Strong negotiation and persuasion abilities
- ✓Territory planning and route optimization
- ✓Relationship building with retail decision-makers
- ✓Knowledge of retail buying cycles
- ✓Mobile sales app proficiency
- ✓Understanding of FMCG supply chain
- ✓Time management across multiple outlets
- ✓Basic numeracy for order calculations
Work Environment
Setting
Field-based with extensive daily travel
Hours
Monday to Friday, 7am-5pm; Saturday mornings common
Travel
70-80% daily territory coverage
Physical Demands
Moderate - carrying samples and promotional materials
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range
R7,000 - R14,000 per month base salary
Structure
Base salary plus commission (typically 20-30% of base)
Benefits
Fuel allowance, mobile phone, medical aid, performance bonuses
Industry Insights
Challenges
- •Managing high outlet call frequencies
- •Dealing with price-sensitive retail buyers
- •Competing for limited shelf space
- •Meeting aggressive distribution targets
Opportunities
- •Fast career progression in major brands
- •Performance-based earning potential
- •Cross-functional moves to marketing or category management
- •Regional or national account management roles
Industry Trends
- •Digital sales tools and CRM adoption
- •Data-driven territory management
- •Focus on township and rural market expansion
- •Integrated trade marketing approaches