National Sales Manager

National Sales Manager – The Sector GroupLocation: Cape Town, Western Cape (with travel as required)About the RoleWe’re looking for a dynamic, relationship-driven individual to play a pivotal role in expanding our footprint within the outdoor, sporting goods and lifestyle retail sector. This position requires someone who thrives on building genuine connections, driving commercial success, and being hands-on in the market rather than sitting behind a desk.This role blends business development, account activation, and team enablement. It requires someone who can support internal sales leads, manage and influence external sales agents, open new doors, and strengthen relationships across our existing retail network. Key ResponsibilitiesRelationship Development & Business GrowthProactively identify and build relationships with new retail partners and opportunities.Meet with existing customers to strengthen partnerships and maximise growth potential.Manage the sales function with selected key accounts / national retailers. Coordinate and support internal account managers during key customer engagements and presentations.Initiate outreach to prospective clients, schedule and lead introductory meetings and own follow-ups.Market EngagementMaintain a strong presence at customer locations, spending meaningful time in the field and not behind a desk.Travel regularly to key regions (e.g. JHB and other strategic hubs) to grow the customer base and support performance.Develop a deep understanding of the outdoor, sporting goods, and lifestyle retail landscape, trends, and opportunities.Driving Sales PerformanceMotivate and support external sales agents to meet targets, maintain store focus, and close sales opportunities.Leverage sales data and retail performance reports to identify gaps and growth opportunities.Collaborate with internal brand teams to execute market strategies and seasonal initiatives.Provide feedback and insights to commercial and brand leads based on in-market findings.Internal Collaboration & SupportWork closely with brand directors and account managers to align on business priorities.Act as a supportive commercial partner to the sales admin team but not as an administrator and rather as someone who keeps them connected to retailer needs and field realities.Report market insights, competitive activity, and customer feedback to the leadership team.About YouA genuine people-person with confidence, charismatic without ego.Strong commercial instincts, with a passion for building long-term retail partnerships.Not afraid to hustle and get out into the market, you’ll need to take initiative and don’t wait to be told what to do.Able to influence and manage external sales agents.Resilient, humble, and motivated by results rather than politics or titles.Comfortable using data and reporting to drive decision-making and unlock growth.Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where autonomy is expected.Experience & Requirements3–6 years experience in sales, business development, account management, or brand commercial roles.Exposure to the retail, lifestyle, outdoor, sports, or related sectors preferred.Demonstrated success building and managing commercial relationships.Comfortable coordinating cross-functional teams and working with different personalities.Excellent communication, presentation, and follow-up skills.Must be willing to travel regularly and confident operating independently.What We OfferA collaborative, passionate team who values authenticity and initiative.The opportunity to work with leading global lifestyle brands in a high-growth environment.A role where you will learn, build meaningful relationships, and directly shape the brand footprint in South Africa.About The Sector GroupThe Sector Group is one of South Africa’s largest apparel, footwear, and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities, and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active, and lifestyle brands including The North Face, Fox, O’Neill, Lee, Wrangler, and more.If you would like to join our team, then we would like to hear from you! Please submit your CV and a covering email to malcolm.l@sectorgroup.co.za