National Sales Manager - General Trade - FMCG

National Sales Manager
Location: Mumbai
Industry: FMCG (Mandatory)
Experience: 13-18 Years
About the Role:
We are looking for an experienced and result-oriented National Sales Manager to lead and drive sales growth across India. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in General Trade sales within the FMCG industry, a proven track record of leading large sales teams, and deep expertise in managing both North and South Indian markets. Candidates with strong tenures in reputed FMCG organizations and demonstrated success in building distribution networks, driving revenue growth, and executing sales strategies will be preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute the national sales strategy to achieve revenue, volume, and market share objectives.
- Lead, guide, and motivate a large sales organization across regions and zones.
- Design and implement effective sales, distribution, and market expansion plans.
- Drive General Trade business growth through strong distributor and channel management.
- Collaborate with Trade Marketing and Marketing teams to execute market-leading initiatives.
- Monitor sales performance, productivity, and profitability across territories.
- Strengthen distribution reach, market penetration, and retailer engagement.
- Drive sales forecasting, business planning, and performance reviews.
- Implement digital and omnichannel sales initiatives to improve efficiency and market coverage.
- Build high-performing teams through coaching, talent development, succession planning, and performance management.
Desired Candidate Profile:
Experience:
- 13-18 years of sales leadership experience in the FMCG industry.
- Minimum 12+ years of sales management experience in branded consumer products.
- Minimum 7 years of Zonal Sales Manager, Regional Head, National Sales Manager, or equivalent leadership experience.
- Strong exposure to General Trade sales management.
- Experience managing both North and South Indian markets is mandatory.
- Proven experience handling large sales teams across multiple geographies.
- No B2B sales background.
Preferred Companies:
Candidates currently working or having worked with reputed FMCG organizations such as:
- Tata Consumer Products
- Godrej Consumer Products
- Pidilite
- Marico
- Nestlé
- Reckitt
- Everest Masala
- Hindustan Unilever (HUL)
- Procter & Gamble (P&G)
Tenure Requirements:
- Must have demonstrated stability with 3+ years in at least one organization.
- Preference for candidates with long tenure in one or more companies.
Education:
- Graduate (Mandatory)
- MBA preferred
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong understanding of Indian trade structures and distribution networks.
- Proven expertise in sales force effectiveness and territory management.
- Experience in creating and implementing sales and distribution plans.
- Knowledge of Trade Marketing tools and marketing activation programs.
- Strong analytical and business planning capabilities.
- Proficiency in MS Office, digital sales tools, and omnichannel sales practices.
- Excellent leadership, people management, and team development skills.
- Fluent in Hindi and English.
Preferred Location: Mumbai-based candidates preferred.