Philasande Sithole
FMCG Sales & Distribution Specialist | Business Development
Johannesburg
Summary
Goal-driven and customer-focused Business Development professional with over 5 years of experience in FMCG beverage sales, having worked across leading brands such as Coca-Cola, Appletiser, Schweppes, and Fanta. Proven track record in exceeding volume targets, increasing brand visibility, and developing strong distributor and retail partnerships. Skilled in route-to-market execution, territory planning, and competitive market analysis. Passionate about building long-term customer relationships, ensuring pricing compliance, and driving sustainable growth. Ready to contribute to SAB’s vision of dreaming big and delivering excellence.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Account Executive
Offlimit
03.2020 - 03.2023
- Managed key accounts for Huawei and Samsung, driving sales growth and ensuring effective product placement across retail and online channels.
- Developed and executed customized sales strategies for FMCG brands like Coca-Cola, Schweppes, and Fanta, focusing on client needs, inventory levels, and promotional opportunities.
- Fostered strong relationships with retail buyers and distribution partners to increase market share and optimize product visibility for assigned brands.
- Coordinated the rollout of promotional campaigns and product launches, providing timely support and training for store teams and sales partners.
- Monitored account performance, analyzed sales data, and presented actionable insights to senior management to improve client satisfaction and account growth.
Field Manager
Offlimit
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Managed and led activation teams representing Schweppes, Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite, ensuring consistent in-field execution and strong consumer engagement
- Supervised and coached brand ambassadors across multiple activations, ensuring consistent execution and alignment with brand standards and KPIs.
- Planned and coordinated field operations, including logistics, stock distribution, and promotional material setup across multiple store and event locations.
- Maintained strong relationships with store managers and activation partners to secure prime visibility and product placement for assigned brands.
- Monitored campaign performance by conducting site visits, completing field reports, and compiling data on consumer engagement, sales uplift, and brand impact.
- Acted as the key liaison between head office and field teams, providing real-time insights, issue resolution, and performance feedback to improve campaign outcomes.
Brand Ambassador
Offlimit
09.2018 - 03.2019
- Represented leading FMCG brands in-store and at activations by driving brand engagement, increasing product trials, and influencing purchase decisions.
- Represented Cappy, Nestle, and Coke.
- Executed product demonstrations and sampling campaigns for high-traffic outlets, effectively promoting beverages, personal care, and food products.
- Ensured merchandising compliance by setting up branded POS displays, maintaining clean, visible setups in line with brand guidelines.
- Engaged with consumers and retail staff to provide product knowledge, while gathering feedback and reporting on sales trends and competitor activity.
- Consistently upheld brand image across all interactions, contributing to increased market presence and consumer trust for top FMCG names.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wordworth High School
Benoni, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Timeline
Account Executive
Offlimit
03.2020 - 03.2023
Field Manager
Offlimit
03.2019 - 03.2020
Brand Ambassador
Offlimit
09.2018 - 03.2019
High School Diploma -
Wordworth High School
04.2001 -