Sales and Business Development Manager (FMCG)

Location: Lagos, (Nationwide travel required)

Reports to: CEO/Founder

Growth Path: General Manager

About Company: Our client is a start-up FMCG distribution company in Nigeria, specializing in the supply and distribution of alcoholic beverages, healthy snacks, chocolates, and other fast-moving consumer goods to retailers and broader market channels.

The client is seeking to hire a high-performing, self-driven, and entrepreneurial leader with proven experience in building and scaling FMCG brands in Nigeria. The candidate will take full ownership of launching, promoting, and growing two international brands (premium alcoholic beverage + healthy snacks & chocolate).

S/he must possess strong leadership capabilities, go-to-market execution experience, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of the Nigerian retail and distribution landscape. This is not a desk-bound role; it requires strategic thinking, field engagement, distribution network development, marketing execution, and cross-functional leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Brand Leadership:

§ Define and execute a GTM (Go-to-Market) strategy for both brands in Nigeria.

§ Build brand awareness and equity through digital, traditional, and BTL marketing.

§ Translate global brand objectives into local, market-specific plans.

§ Develop and localize campaigns that resonate with Nigerian consumers.

§ Lead innovation, pricing, and packaging decisions for market-fit.

Commercial & Sales Leadership

§ Set and deliver revenue, volume, and profit targets across channels.

§ Lead the setup and management of regional distribution, wholesalers, and retail networks.

§ Manage trade marketing and route-to-market plans.

§ Build strong relationships with distributors, supermarkets, hotels, lounges, restaurants, cafes, and modern trade players.

§ Monitor market performance, distributor performance, and retail execution.

Reporting & Analytics

§ Provide regular reporting on brand health, market penetration, competitive trends, and commercial performance.

§ Leverage consumer insights to adapt marketing strategies.

§ Forecast demand and manage commercial planning and budgeting.

Requirements

Education:

§ B.Sc./HND in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field (2nd Class Upper or equivalent).

§ MBA or postgraduate qualifications (advantageous but not required).

§ Certifications: APCON, NIMN, or other relevant professional bodies.

Experience:

§7–12 years of experience in FMCG, with at least 5 years in a senior commercial, marketing, or brand management role.

§ Proven track record of launching or scaling a new brand in Nigeria (particularly premium beverages, snacks, or lifestyle FMCG).

§ Deep understanding of Nigerian retail dynamics: open markets, key distributors, modern trade, e-commerce, and BTL marketing.

§ Experience managing P&L, commercial negotiations, and distributor relationships.

§ Existing industry contacts with distributors and key retail accounts are a plus.

Key Skills & Competencies:

§ Entrepreneurial mindset with a “builder” attitude

§ Strong leadership and people management

§ Excellent brand management and storytelling

§ Strategic sales and negotiation skills

§ Financial planning, budgeting, and P&L understanding

§ Strong digital and social media marketing experience

§ Analytical, data-driven, and results-oriented

§ Excellent communication and stakeholder management

Benefits

Compensation: Competitive salary + Performance-based bonuses + Other interesting benefits