Commercial Trade - Sales Manager

Commercial Trade Manager

Purpose

The Trade Manager is responsible for developing, managing and growing strategic relationships with vehicle retailers (new and used), vehicle wholesalers and OEM partners, including large national groups such as used vehicle supermarkets and emerging Chinese vehicle manufacturers operating in South Africa.

The role focuses on positioning the business as the preferred tyre supply and fitment partner for dealership networks by driving tyre volume, fitment partnerships, contract alignment and long-term channel growth across Gauteng and nationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with new and used vehicle dealerships, vehicle wholesalers and OEM partners
• Serve as the key commercial interface between the business and dealer managers, group procurement teams and OEM aftersales stakeholders
• Secure tyre supply and fitment agreements for dealership groups, wholesale vehicle retailers and OEM partners
• Negotiate pricing structures, commercial terms, service agreements and national supply arrangements
• Drive tyre volumes through dealership PDI (pre-delivery inspection), used vehicle reconditioning and replacement tyre programmes
• Coordinate tyre supply and fitment support for dealer groups nationally, including Pretoria-based fitment and redistribution models
• Work closely with operations to ensure consistent service levels, turnaround times and stock availability for dealership partners
• Support OEM partners and emerging manufacturers (including Chinese brands) with tyre fitment solutions aligned to brand and technical requirements
• Identify opportunities to expand fitment footprint, preferred supplier status and long-term trade partnerships
• Monitor competitor activity, dealer trends and OEM market movements within the retail automotive sector
• Maintain accurate sales reporting, forecasts and pipeline management

Requirements

• Strong understanding of the South African vehicle retail and wholesale environment (new and used vehicles)
• Ability to manage group-level negotiations and national dealership agreements
• Commercial understanding of PDI processes, used vehicle recon, tyre replacement cycles and dealer operational models
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel regionally and nationally

Skills & Competencies

• Channel and trade sales management
• Strategic relationship and key account management
• Negotiation and contract management
• Commercial pricing and margin optimisation
• Stakeholder engagement at dealer principal and OEM level
• Market analysis and competitive awareness
• Strong planning, reporting and organisational skills

Experience

• Minimum 7+ years' sales or account management experience within automotive retail, wholesale vehicle sales, OEM aftersales or tyre industry
• Proven track record managing dealership groups, vehicle wholesalers or OEM-linked accounts
• Existing relationships with vehicle dealers, used vehicle wholesalers or OEM networks in South Africa is highly advantageous

Qualifications

• Matric (essential)
• Relevant business, sales or marketing qualification is preferred.