Trade Sales and Business Development Manager - Now hiring
We are a premier home textile company specializing in creating unique, high-quality jacquard products. Our clients span from interior designers to hospitality buyers both locally and internationally, and we pride ourselves on delivering tailored solutions that meet the high standards of our trade clientele.
Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Trade Sales and Business Development Manager to manage and grow our trade customer base. This person will work closely with interior designers, hospitality clients, and other trade buyers, helping them source our products to bring their design visions to life. You will be responsible for generating new business, converting inbound leads, and building long-term relationships with our valued clients.
Key Responsibilities:
– Client Management: Oversee and nurture relationships with trade clients (interior designers, hospitality buyers, etc.), ensuring their needs are met with high-quality service and tailored product recommendations.
– Business Development: Identify and develop new trade accounts, focusing on expanding our footprint in both local and international markets.
– Lead Conversion: Handle inbound inquiries, following up promptly and professionally to convert leads into long-term clients.
– Trade Shows: Represent our brand at domestic and international trade shows, serving as a knowledgeable and approachable ambassador for the company. (Experience in trade shows is highly desirable.)
– CRM Management: Maintain detailed and organized records in our CRM system to ensure streamlined communication, client tracking and customer retention.
– Product Knowledge: Utilize an understanding of interior design and hospitality needs in product recommendations. Product development experience is a plus, as you will provide input on market trends and client feedback.
– Costing and Measurements: Perform custom cost calculations, measurements, and product pricing as needed to meet client specifications.
– Travel: Be comfortable with international travel to attend trade shows and meet with clients when necessary.
Qualifications:
– Proven experience in sales and business development, preferably within the interior design or hospitality sectors.
– Strong understanding of the needs of interior designers and hospitality buyers in selecting and sourcing textiles and related products.
– Experience with CRM software to track leads and manage client relationships.
– Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to serve as a true brand ambassador.
– Strong mathematical skills for custom pricing and product measurement.
– Experience with trade shows and exhibiting internationally is a major advantage.
– Additional experience in product development is a significant bonus.
To apply send your CV along with a cover letter to donna@africanjacquard.com
Business Operations Manager – Position Filled
We are looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with a passion for operational excellence and growth.
African Jacquard is a dynamic and rapidly growing luxury home textiles company with a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Operations Manager to join our team and serve as the Managing Director’s 2IC, playing a critical role in driving the operational success and growth of our business.
Position Overview:
As the Operations Manager and 2IC, you will be responsible for effectively managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of our organization. You will serve as a vital link between all departments, working collaboratively to drive efficiency and growth. You will be responsible for the human operations within the company, including talent management and team development, contributing to a positive work culture. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in assisting in executing our growth strategy and ensuring operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational leadership: Lead and oversee all operational functions of the business, ensuring smooth and efficient processes. Identify opportunities for improvement and implement best practices to enhance operational excellence.
Team Management: Manage and provide leadership to the production department, administrative staff, and sales teams. Set clear expectations, develop performance goals, and provide ongoing feedback to team members and management.
Growth Strategy Execution: Collaborate with the Managing Director to execute the company’s growth strategy, contributing your expertise to achieve key performance indicators and objectives.
Financial Oversight: Monitor and manage operational budgets, optimizing costs while maintaining high-quality standards and performance levels.
Human Operations: Manage the human resources and talent management functions of the organization, including recruitment, training, and development. Create a positive and inclusive work environment.
Quality Assurance: Ensure the delivery of high-quality products/services and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Communication and Reporting: Regularly communicate operational updates, performance metrics, and challenges to the Managing Director.
Risk Management: Identify potential operational risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Implement and maintain effective risk management processes.
Customer Focus: Promote a customer-centric approach throughout the organization to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
Collaboration: Foster strong cross-functional collaboration among departments to improve efficiency and drive business growth.
Qualifications:
– 3 + years proven experience in a senior operations management role.
– Strong leadership and team management skills.
– Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
– Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
– Knowledge of industry regulations and best practices.
– Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
– Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment.
– Strategic thinking and a results-oriented mindset.
To apply send your CV along with a cover letter to donna@africanjacquard.com
Brand Manager – Position Filled
We are seeking a flexible and versatile individual to be responsible for supervising and growing our retail presence in South Africa, as well as building and maintaining a strong and consistent brand globally through a wide range of online and offline marketing channels.
Retail Management:
– Organizing & overseeing all brick & mortar store operations
– Website management
– Supervise & guide retail staff towards maximum performance
– Visual Merchandising
– Monitor & manage stock levels
– Perform administrative tasks
– Identify opportunities to improve the stores and website
– Find new retail opportunities
– You will supervise the operational and organizational standards of the store.
– Hiring, training, and overseeing new staff.
– Motivating the sales team to meet sales objectives by training and mentoring staff.
Marketing Management:
– Find opportunities to elevate the brand through brand activation
– Be the first point of contact for all external media & PR, and to establish great relationships and credibility
– Assist in building a portfolio of sales & marketing content that operates across all sales channels and marketing platforms
– Assist in developing marketing strategies & campaigns to boost brand awareness in alignment with the overall business goals.
– Assist in developing digital marketing strategies for web content, user experience, newsletters, social media, and experiment with various organic and acquisition channels.
Experience:
– Previous experience in a managerial or supervisory position
– Marketing experience and the willingness to learn more
– A sense of aesthetics and good storytelling skills
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
– Strong organizational and leadership skills
– Commercial awareness
– Project management skills
– Driving license required
Bonus:
– Retail experience
– Knowledge of Photoshop/Canva
– Knowledge of web analytic tools
– Knowledge of WordPress
To apply send your CV along with a cover letter to donna@africanjacquard.com
Part Time Retail Manager – Position Filled
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Retail Manager who is looking for flexible part-time work. With a focus on operational excellence and staff leadership, you will manage our three boutique retail operations in the Cape Town area.
Responsibilities:
– Organizing & overseeing all brick & mortar store operations
– Visiting the three stores weekly or as per needed (2 x Cape Town CBD, 1 x Stellenbosch)
– Roster management
– Supervise & guide retail staff towards maximum performance.
– Hiring, training, and overseeing new staff.
– Monitor & manage stock levels.
– Perform administrative tasks
Experience:
– Strong organizational and leadership skills
– Commercial awareness
– Project management skills
– Driving license required
To apply send your CV along with a cover letter to donna@africanjacquard.com