Nat Key Account Manager

Nat Key Account Manager

💥 Nat Key Account Manager 💥

📍Cape Town, South Africa

🛒  FMCG – Food Category

💰 To be discussed during screening call

Let’s not sugarcoat this.

This isn’t a “maintain relationships and send a few emails” kind of Key Account role.

This is for someone who knows how to walk into a buyer meeting, hold their ground, and walk out with a better deal.

If you’re someone who gets a kick out of building something, spotting gaps others miss, and turning strategy into actual shelf presence… keep reading.

What you’ll actually be doing (not the fluffy version)

You’ll own the grocery channel for a growing Foods Portfolio.

That means:

Driving the strategy (and yes… being accountable for it landing)

Managing relationships across Grocery, Specialty and HORECA

Negotiating trading terms, listings, pricing, promos — the whole lot

Getting out into stores and making sure what was agreed is actually happening

Working closely with innovation to spot what’s next (not just what’s selling now)

This role is about growth, not maintenance.

And you’ll be expected to think commercially – not just “hit targets”, but understand how the business makes money and where the opportunities are. 

What kind of person fits here

You’ve probably done 7–10 years in FMCG (ideally food), and you’re now at that point where:

You’re confident in front of big retailers – Modern Trade (must), Speciality (important) & HORECA (nice to have)

You know how to negotiate properly (not just “discuss”)

You understand category, brand, trade… the bigger picture

You’re competitive – in a good way

You don’t wait to be told what to do

What makes this different

You’ll work closely with senior leadership — not five layers removed.

You’ll have real ownership.

And you’ll see the impact of what you do. Quickly.

It’s a performance-driven, entrepreneurial environment, so if you need structure, hand-holding, or a slow pace… this won’t be your thing.

If you like backing yourself and getting results, you’ll love it.

The setup

Based in Cape Town

Hybrid: office collaboration + early Friday finishes (yes, really)

Why people stay

Because they’re trusted.
Because they grow.
Because they’re not micromanaged.

And because they’re part of building something meaningful in the food space.

If this sounds like you…

Apply. Or message me directly.

I’m always more interested in a quick, honest conversation than a perfectly polished CV.

Brand Manager

Brand Manager

📍Cape Town, South Africa

🛒 Consumer Healthcare & Food

💰 To be discussed during screening interview

Let’s start here.

This is not just a “run the brand calendar and manage agencies” role.

This is for someone who understands that real growth happens when commercial thinking, innovation, and execution actually come together.

If you’ve ever sat in a meeting thinking
“we’re missing something here…” – this is probably your kind of role.

What you’ll be stepping into

You’ll sit right in the middle of brand, innovation, packaging, and supply chain.

Not in theory. In reality.

You’ll be driving the NPD pipeline end-to-end — from idea to shelf — making sure what gets developed actually works commercially.

That means:

Owning and driving the innovation pipeline (NPD)

Working closely with supply chain to make sure ideas are actually deliverable

Getting involved in packaging decisions — not just how it looks, but how it performs

Spotting gaps, trends, and opportunities before your competitors do

Making sure launches land properly (and don’t just look good in presentations)

Because in FMCG, if it doesn’t land on shelf… it doesn’t exist. 

Who this will suit (and who it won’t)

You’ve likely come from:

FMCG food

Consumer healthcare

Consumer health / wellness brands

And you:

Support and execute brand and marketing plans, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives

Drive impactful, integrated marketing campaigns across traditional and digital channels

Analyse market trends and consumer insights to inform brand strategy and growth opportunities

Collaborate with sales and trade teams to deliver effective promotional initiatives

Have real exposure to product development and/or innovation pipelines

Understand packaging beyond design (think compliance, cost, supply realities) 

Can work cross-functionally without waiting for permission

Are commercially sharp — not just “brand-led”

This won’t suit someone who prefers staying in their lane.

It will suit someone who enjoys being right in the middle of things – where decisions actually get made.

What makes this role interesting

You’ll be working in a business that genuinely values:

Speed

Ownership

Commercial thinking

You’ll collaborate with senior leadership, supply chain, and innovation teams daily = not once a quarter.

The environment

Fast-paced

Entrepreneurial

Slightly messy (in a good way)

Built for people who take initiative

If you like structure, slow decision-making, or waiting for sign-off… this isn’t your place.

Why people tend to stay

Because they’re trusted to do the job.
Because they get exposure across the full business.
Because they’re not boxed into one function.

If this sounds like you…

Don’t overthink it.

Apply. Or send me a message.

Business Development Manager | Key Account Manager

Business Development Manager | Key Account Manager

📍 London, UK (Remote)

🛒 FMCG – Grocery (Food & Snacking)

💰 To be discussed at screening interview

Let’s get one thing straight first.

This is not your typical FMCG role.

You’re not walking into a big corporate with one brand, one category, and a neatly defined job spec.

This is multi-brand, multi-market, and properly commercial.

Why this role is different

Company isn’t a distributor.
It’s not a traditional consultancy either.

It sits somewhere in between — and that’s exactly what makes it interesting.

They partner with FMCG brands and help them grow into new markets across the Middle East, Africa, and the UK – from strategy right through to execution. 

Think:

Market entry

Brand building

Commercial strategy

Getting products onto shelves and into consumers’ hands

They call themselves a brand-building and commercial management platform — working across multiple markets, categories, and growth stages. 

In simple terms:
👉 They act as an extension of the brand… without being the brand.

So, what will you actually be doing?

This role is all about opening doors and making things happen.

You’ll be:

Identifying and landing brands into the UK

Building relationships with key accounts and decision-makers

Managing the full sales cycle — from lead to signed deal

Spotting opportunities across different categories and markets

Working closely with internal teams to take brands into MEA markets

Getting involved in exports, tenders, and international growth strategy

It’s not just “sales”.

It’s commercial thinking, relationship building, and strategic growth rolled into one.

And yes — you’ll need to be comfortable juggling multiple brands and projects at once. 

What kind of person thrives here

You’re probably someone who:

Has 5+ years in FMCG sales / marketing / business development

Knows how to open doors (and doesn’t wait for leads to come to you)

Understands P&L, margin, and what makes a deal commercially viable

Has experience with UK retail key accounts

Is comfortable working independently (this is remote, after all)

But more importantly…

You’re a builder.

You like creating opportunities where nothing exists yet.

What makes this role exciting

You’re not tied to one brand — you’ll work across a portfolio

You’ll be part of taking brands international

You’ll work directly with leadership and decision-makers

You’ll see the impact of your work quickly

The setup

📍 Remote (UK-based)

✈️ Some international travel

🧠 High autonomy — you’ll manage your own time and pipeline

This won’t suit you if…

You need structure, constant direction, or a slow pace.

This is for someone who’s comfortable figuring things out, pushing forward, and owning results.

If this sounds like your kind of role…

Apply. Or message me directly.

No long cover letter needed — just a conversation to start.

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & PROJECT MANAGER  – JHB

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & PROJECT MANAGER  – JHB

🚀 NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & PROJECT MANAGER 

🛒 Consumer Health / Pharma

💰 Salary to be discussed during interview process

📍 Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

This is not your typical “keep the lights on” FMCG role.

This is for the person who spots opportunity before everyone else does.
The one who sees a gap in the market and immediately starts thinking:
“Why aren’t we doing this already?”

I’m looking for a commercially sharp, innovation-driven professional for a leading Consumer Healthcare/FMCG business that is serious about growth, product innovation and building brands consumers actually want.

You’ll be driving new product development from idea to shelf.
From market trends and consumer insights, through feasibility, suppliers, packaging, regulatory, launch and post-launch performance.

Think:
✔ FMCG
✔ Consumer Health
✔ Complementary Medicines
✔ Personal Care
✔ Innovation Pipeline
✔ End-to-End Project Management

You’ll work across multiple teams including Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, Supply Chain and Sales, so this role needs someone who can influence, collaborate and keep momentum moving in a fast-paced environment.

What I’m looking for:

  • B.Pharm qualification with SAPC registration
  • Experience within FMCG, consumer healthcare, complementary medicines and/or personal care
  • Strong product development and launch experience
  • Commercially minded with solid business acumen
  • Someone highly organised, proactive and execution focused
  • A natural relationship builder who can manage suppliers, manufacturers and internal stakeholders with confidence

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys building, creating and bringing new ideas to life in a business where innovation matters.

If you enjoy turning concepts into commercially successful products, I’d love to chat.

📩 email your CV to lisa@ers-sa.com

Key Account Manager / Sales Manager (FMCG) – KZN

Key Account Manager / Sales Manager (FMCG) – KZN

💥Key Account Manager / Sales Manager (FMCG)💥

📍KZN, South Africa

🛒Confectionary

💰Will be discussed at interview stage

There are sales jobs… and then there are roles where you genuinely get to make an impact.

Business is looking for a commercially sharp, relationship-driven Customer & Sales Manager to take ownership of the KZN region and help drive the next phase of growth for one of South Africa’s most exciting FMCG brands.

This is not a “sit behind a desk and send reports” kind of role.

We’re looking for someone who knows how to build strong retailer relationships, spot opportunities in the market before competitors do, drive execution through 3rd Party Agencies and Teams, and most importantly… deliver results.

You’ll work across major retail accounts including Boxer, Shoprite, Pick n Pay and Spar, while leading regional plans that drive volume, visibility, distribution and profitable growth.

If you thrive in a fast-paced FMCG environment, love being close to customers and enjoy turning strategy into action, then this could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

What you’ll be responsible for:

  • Managing key customer relationships across the KZN region
  • Driving regional sales plans in line with national business objectives
  • Leading customer negotiations and commercial discussions
  • Managing trade spend, promotional budgets and forecasting
  • Identifying growth opportunities across channels and categories
  • Monitoring competitor activity and market trends
  • Leading, coaching and developing agents and sales teams
  • Driving execution excellence in-store
  • Analysing sales performance and turning insights into action

What we’re looking for:

  • A relevant tertiary qualification in Sales, Marketing or Business Management
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in Regional Sales Management within FMCG
  • Minimum 5 years’ Key Account Management experience
  • Strong exposure to major retailers including Boxer, Shoprite, PnP and Spar
  • Commercially strong with excellent negotiation ability
  • Someone who is hands-on, proactive and highly driven
  • A natural relationship builder who can influence at all levels
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly

Why this role stands out:

This business continues to grow its footprint across South Africa with much-loved confectionery brands that consumers already know and trust.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious FMCG sales professional who enjoys autonomy, accountability and being part of a business where your contribution genuinely matters.

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity, please send your CV to lisa@ers-sa.com

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CEO / Operations Director – Sa Remote

CEO / Operations Director – Sa Remote

Premium Pet Food & Lifestyle Startup
We’re not building another pet brand.

We’re building a premium pet lifestyle business with big ambitions, strong backing and a product range designed for modern pet owners who treat their dogs like family.

Our launch portfolio includes:

  • Premium pet nutrition
  • Wellness and supplements
  • Grooming products
  • Lifestyle accessories
  • Apparel, toys, beds, harnesses and more

We are now looking for a commercially sharp, entrepreneurial CEO / Operations Director to help lead the next phase of growth.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building businesses from the ground up. Someone equally comfortable discussing strategy in the morning and solving supplier or operational challenges in the afternoon.

You will work closely with the founders to:

  • Finalise product development and supplier partnerships
  • Lead operational rollout and go-to-market execution
  • Build scalable systems and processes
  • Recruit and grow the team
  • Drive commercial growth across e-commerce and retail channels
  • Help shape one of South Africa’s most exciting emerging pet brands

What we’re looking for:

  • Proven leadership experience as CEO, MD, GM or senior operational leader
  • Strong background within FMCG, consumer goods, e-commerce or petcare
  • Experience managing multiple product categories
  • Strong sourcing, supply chain and operational capability
  • Startup or scale-up experience
  • Commercially minded with an entrepreneurial approach
  • A genuine passion for dogs and the pet industry

This is not a highly corporate environment.

We need someone adaptable, energetic, solutions-driven and capable of operating in a fast-moving founder-led business where growth, creativity and execution all matter equally.

Location:
South Africa (Remote)

If you are excited by the idea of building a premium consumer brand from launch phase into a recognised market player, we would love to hear from you.