Job Title:
Personal Care Business Manager SSA
Job Purpose:
Our client is seeking a dynamic and relationship-focused Business Manager for Care solutions to drive growth within the personal care and cosmetics industry across designated markets. The successful candidate will build and strengthen relationships with existing and prospective customers, conduct market research, support new product launches, provide technical product training and assistance, manage distributor performance, and establish a strong industry network to enhance market presence and business growth.
Responsibilities & Skills:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers while identifying and engaging new business opportunities.
- Conduct market research and analyse business potential within the personal care industry across identified Sub-Saharan African (SSA) markets.
- Monitor commercial, technical, and marketing trends, providing regular market intelligence and competitive analysis reports.
- Identify and implement the most effective route-to-market strategy for each SSA country.
- Serve as the primary liaison for local distributors, providing technical support and driving new business development.
- Prepare and communicate quotations, pricing, payment terms, and delivery information to customers on behalf of principals.
- Deliver technical support, product presentations, and customer service activities in line with business strategies and objectives.
- Monitor and report on competitor activities, market developments, and other relevant industry information.
- Collaborate with key internal stakeholders, including Key Account Management, Technical Services, Product Management, New Business Development, Customer Service, Supply Chain, and Business Services teams.
- Manage the product planning pipeline and forecasting process to ensure product availability meets customer demand.
- Identify, develop, and manage new business opportunities and projects while maintaining an active project pipeline.
- Oversee all administrative responsibilities associated with the Business Manager role.
- Represent the business at industry exhibitions, trade shows, and networking events.
- Support the resolution of customer complaints, credit control matters, and product sample follow-up.
- Participate in business line meetings, industry forums, technical training sessions, seminars, and conference calls.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Minimum Master's Degree in Applied Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field (business management qualification advantageous).
- Proven experience in the cosmetics, personal care, or beauty industry is essential.
- Strong technical knowledge of cosmetic formulations, raw materials, regulations, and market trends.
- Demonstrated success in growing business within the personal care industry in South Africa and across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
- Well-established professional network within the cosmetics and personal care industry, including customers, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
- Experience in a multinational or corporate environment.
- Proven ability to deliver results across SSA markets.
- Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and business development skills.
- Fluent in English; proficiency in another South African official language is required.
- Knowledge of Portuguese or French will be advantageous.
- Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, CRM systems, pricing tools, and other business software.
