MARYNA PARSONS
Business Development & Sales Management
Johannesburg
Summary
Results-driven and highly motivated sales leader with extensive experience in business development, project management, and team leadership. Skilled in developing and executing strategic sales initiatives, managing high-performing teams, and fostering long-term client relationships. Possessing deep expertise in sales within print and online media, automotive sector, digital media, and mobility solutions industries. Strong track record of driving revenue growth and operational efficiency. Passionate about launching and expanding business operations in new markets, utilizing a consultative and data-driven approach. Forward-thinking and results-driven sales leader with over 20 years of experience in sales, team leadership, partnership development, account management, and channel building. Demonstrated ability to diversify networks, product offerings, and pricing strategies to drive growth through value-added solutions.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Regional Sales Manager
M-Sure
Pretoria, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga
2024.07 - Current
- Developed and implemented regional sales strategies to drive revenue and market share
- Business development within key market segments of automotive services and solutions
- Supported and executed marketing initiatives to increase brand visibility and product awareness
- Led and mentored sales teams to achieve and exceed performance targets
- Strengthened dealer relationships and optimized customer engagement initiatives
- Increased regional sales by implementing strategic marketing plans and nurturing key client relationships.
- Visited key accounts regularly and achieved high satisfaction scores by routinely re-assessing needs and resolving conflicts.
- Generated detailed sales reports and forecasts to analyze performance and track progress.
- Analyzed competitor offerings to devise targeted sales pitches, effectively differentiating our products from competitors in the marketplace.
- Participated in sales calls with direct reports to strengthen customer relationships and uncover possible opportunities for growth.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
Head of Sales National
AutoTraderSA
National
2019.06 - 2024.07
- Directed national sales operations, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives
- Expanded the dealer network and improved sales processes to maximize profitability
- Led a high-performing team through strategic coaching and development
- Utilized data-driven insights to enhance sales forecasting and decision-making
- Streamlined sales processes, resulting in enhanced efficiency and increased productivity.
- Negotiated contracts with major clients, securing long-term partnerships that generated significant revenue streams.
- Conducted regular territory analyses to ensure optimal resource allocation and maximum coverage of target markets.
- Collaborated with product development teams for continuous improvement of offerings based on customer feedback and evolving market needs.
- Attended industry events and conventions to expand sales opportunities.
- Trained and coached sales team members on best practices for customer service and sales techniques.
Business Manager - Sunday Times Lifestyle Magazine & Supplements
Tiso Blackstar Group
National
2016.06 - 2019.06
- Spearheaded business growth through strategic sales planning and market expansion
- Developed integrated advertising solutions across print, digital, video, and events
- Created, managed, and executed business plan and communicated company vision and objectives to motivate teams.
- Increased overall team productivity by fostering a positive work environment and providing effective leadership.
- Managed cross-functional teams, ensuring timely completion of projects within budget constraints.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, leading to significant growth opportunities for the company.
- Developed comprehensive risk management strategy, mitigating potential impacts on business operations.
- Increased market share by identifying and capitalizing on emerging market trends.
- Drove revenue growth with targeted sales initiatives, adapting techniques to meet changing market conditions.
- Conducted detailed market analyses to inform strategic planning and decision-making processes.
- Improved operational workflows by identifying areas of inefficiency and implementing appropriate solutions.
Key Account Manager
Media 24
National
2013.06 - 2015.12
- Managed key accounts within Media24 woman's interest magazine segment
- Designed customized advertising and marketing solutions for premier brands
- Analyzed market trends, identifying opportunities for expanding product offerings within key accounts.
- Developed and delivered presentations to key customers to position products and services.
- Proactively identified potential issues within key accounts, taking corrective action to prevent loss of business or dissatisfaction.
- Developed thorough understanding of key clients' needs and requirements to prepare customized solutions.
- Drove revenue growth by negotiating favorable contract terms with major accounts.
- Managed complex negotiations with key accounts, securing long-term partnerships.
- Tailored sales pitches to address unique challenges and needs of each key account, improving conversion rates.
- Fostered strong client relationships, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
National Sales & Special Project Manager
FleetWatch Magazine
National
2005.06 - 2012.08
- Led national sales initiatives and special projects for industry-specific campaigns
- Acted as a brand ambassador, representing the company in key industry events
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team's ability to deliver results.
- Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
- Led cross-functional teams to successful project completions, improving team cohesion and productivity with effective leadership strategies.
- Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
Education
High School Diploma -
Rosenhof
Bloemfontein, South Africa 1988.01 - 1991.12
Skills
Business Development & Sales Strategy
Consultative Selling & Relationship Management
Team Leadership & Performance Management
Negotiation & Client Engagement
Market Analysis & Competitive Strategy
Customer Acquisition & Retention
Team building
Project Management & Execution
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
New Market Expansion & Product Launch
Data-Driven Sales & Decision-Making
Sales leadership
Business development and planning
Forecasting and reporting
New account development
Analytical thinking
Project management
Sales coaching
Business growth management
Trend analysis
Customer service
Strategic planning
Competitor analysis
Training and mentoring
Additional Information
Passionate about innovation in sales and marketing.
Strong advocate for customer-centric sales strategies.
Willing to travel for business development initiatives.
Proficient in consultative selling and strategic client negotiations.
Adept at public speaking and representing brands at industry events.
Publications And Contributions
- AutoTrader Online
- Media24 - Sarie, Fairlady, True Love, Kuier, Move
- Sunday Times - Lifestyle Magazine & Supplements
- FleetWatch
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Regional Sales Manager
M-Sure
2024.07 - Current
Head of Sales National
AutoTraderSA
2019.06 - 2024.07
Business Manager - Sunday Times Lifestyle Magazine & Supplements
Tiso Blackstar Group
2016.06 - 2019.06
Key Account Manager
Media 24
2013.06 - 2015.12
National Sales & Special Project Manager
FleetWatch Magazine
2005.06 - 2012.08
High School Diploma -
Rosenhof
1988.01 - 1991.12