Commercial Lead - National Sales & Distribution (FMCG)

About the role

A fast-growing household products company is looking for a hands-on sales leader to build its national distribution network from the ground up. The role is based in Lagos, Nigeria, with national travel, and covers FMCG household products such as detergents, soaps, cleaning products and personal care. The Commercial Lead designs the sales structure, recruits the team, opens territories and decides how the brand wins in Lagos' open markets and traditional trade.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the national sales and distribution strategy, including targets, pricing, channel strategy and territory plans
• Build and expand distributor, wholesaler, retailer and institutional channels, and open new territories
• Negotiate terms with distributors and key accounts to protect volume and margin
• Recruit, train, manage and motivate the sales and distribution team, set KPIs and build the sales structure and routines
• Track sales, market penetration, reorders and channel performance, and report on results, risks and opportunities
• Work with Marketing on trade promotions and activations, with Operations on supply and stock, and with Business Development on new channels and partnerships

Required profile

• HND in a related field (Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, Sales or similar)
• At least 3 years' experience in FMCG sales or commercial roles, preferably in household products
• Demonstrable experience building or expanding distribution across new distributors, territories and outlets
• Strong knowledge of Lagos open markets and traditional trade channels
• Leadership, people management, commercial and negotiation skills; able to build structures and teams in an early-stage environment

Candidates who stand out: a network of distributor and wholesaler contacts, experience in a challenger or high-growth brand, data-driven decision making, willingness to work in the market, and an owner's mindset.