Hiring Now: National Sales Manager – News Role at SABC

Position: National Sales Manager – News
Division: Sales
Location: Johannesburg
Reporting To: Head of Sales
Scale Code: 130 (Peromnes 6, Paterson D2)
Position ID: 60023356
Closing Date: 08 February 2025

Position Summary:

SABC is looking for a dynamic and experienced National Sales Manager to lead its dedicated News Sales initiative. This key position focuses on leveraging SABC’s superior audience reach across its news platforms to capture a greater share of advertising revenue. The National Sales Manager will be responsible for managing a team of sales specialists, driving both direct and indirect sales efforts, and ensuring revenue growth across SABC News channels, platforms, and content. By achieving and exceeding sales targets, the successful candidate will contribute significantly to expanding market share and enhancing SABC’s presence in the competitive media landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sales Strategy and Revenue Management:
   • Develop and implement targeted sales strategies in collaboration with the News division to maximize revenue and grow market share.
   • Oversee the revenue performance of news sales, ensuring strong performance from both dedicated sales specialists and the broader SABC sales team.
   • Drive end-to-end management of the sales portfolio, ensuring alignment between sales targets and overall company goals.
   • Participate in sales pricing initiatives to optimize revenue streams and adapt to changing market conditions.
2. Market Expansion and Competitive Analysis:
   • Monitor and analyze customer segments such as public and commercial sectors to identify new opportunities for growth and market share expansion.
   • Use competitive intelligence to assess market shifts, identify emerging opportunities, and stay ahead of industry trends.
   • Effectively communicate market insights and strategic recommendations to internal teams to influence sales behaviors and spending patterns.
3. Client and Stakeholder Management:
   • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with agencies, clients, and key stakeholders to drive sales opportunities.
   • Negotiate and manage all sales deals, ensuring that contractual agreements and commitments are met.
   • Ensure the continual update and maintenance of the client database, facilitating accurate and timely reporting.
4. Integrated Sales and Marketing Solutions:
   • Lead efforts to deliver integrated sales solutions across multiple platforms in the SABC ecosystem, including Audio, Digital, Video, Entertainment, Social, and Events.
   • Drive trade marketing initiatives to enhance the overall sales approach, aligning with SABC’s overarching marketing and business objectives.
   • Utilize data and insights to inform decisions, enhance revenue strategies, and continuously optimize the sales process.
5. Team Leadership and Development:
   • Manage and develop the sales team, providing guidance, motivation, and professional growth opportunities to maximize team performance.
   • Implement a robust performance management system to track progress, address challenges, and ensure consistent achievement of sales targets.
   • Provide infield training and develop a succession plan to ensure a strong pipeline of talent for the future.
6. Risk and Compliance Management:
   • Monitor and manage operational risks, ensuring compliance with internal controls and governance standards.
   • Develop and implement standard operating procedures for the news sales division, ensuring effective operations and adherence to policies.
   • Report regularly on key performance indicators, risks, and compliance matters to ensure transparent and efficient operations.
7. Industry Engagement and Networking:
   • Attend industry-related events and functions to represent SABC, enhance brand visibility, and build valuable connections within the media industry.
   • Maintain a positive and professional image of SABC in the marketplace to promote strong relationships and identify new business opportunities.
   • Drive revenue growth by fostering strong commercial relationships with agencies and clients, building partnerships for mutual benefit.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A relevant degree or postgraduate diploma (NQF 7/8) in Sales, Communication, Marketing, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-8 years of sales experience, with a focus on sales management and media sales, preferably within the news sector.
• Experience in digital and media sales is highly advantageous, along with additional training or certifications in sales, marketing, or media-related fields.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Leadership and People Management: Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, ensuring high levels of performance and engagement.
• Industry Expertise: Well-established in the media industry with a deep network of relationships with decision-makers and influencers.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities, essential for effective stakeholder engagement and negotiation.
• Business Acumen: Commercially oriented with an understanding of sales strategies, revenue management, and market analysis.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze situations, solve problems quickly, and make decisions with confidence.
• Sales Excellence: Persuasive, tenacious, and skilled in achieving targets through excellent selling techniques and relationship-building.
• Technical Proficiency: High level of computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), CRM software, and industry tools