Business Development – South Africa
Company: SAGMA – master distributor of luxury hotel amenity brands (Dubai, UAE)
Location: Cape Town, South Africa (home-based, with regular travel)
Reports to: Commercial Director, SAGMA Dubai
Scope: South Africa, with planned extension to neighbouring markets (Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique)
Type: Full-time, permanent
About SAGMA
SAGMA is a Dubai-headquartered master distributor of luxury hotel amenity brands – including Bulgari, Acqua di Parma, Ferragamo, Lanvin, Rituals and Hermès – serving 5-star hotels and resorts across the Middle East. SAGMA is now establishing a local entity, SAGMA South Africa (Pty) Ltd, to develop the Southern African hospitality market. This role is the first commercial hire in the country and a key position in building the business from the ground up.
Purpose of the Role
Own and grow SAGMA's commercial activity in South Africa: win new 5-star hotel accounts, manage and develop existing clients, represent the brands locally, and coordinate day-to-day operations with our logistics partner. Over time, extend commercial coverage to neighbouring African markets.
Key Responsabilities
Business development
• Identify, approach and win 5-star hotels, lodges and hospitality groups across South Africa, starting with Cape Town and the Winelands.
• Build and maintain a structured pipeline of target properties; qualify decision-makers (GM, Procurement, Rooms Division, Spa).
• Prepare and deliver brand presentations, proposals and quotations; negotiate pricing and terms within guidelines set by Dubai.
• Track incumbent amenity brands per property and identify upgrade opportunities.
Account management
• Manage existing accounts: forecasts, replenishment orders, service follow-up and issue resolution.
• Build long-term relationships with hotel groups and their purchasing teams.
Brand representation
• Act as the local face of SAGMA and its brands; ensure brand standards are respected in every property.
Operations coordination
• Coordinate with SAGMA's third-party logistics partner on stock levels, deliveries and service issues.
• Flag import, labelling or regulatory topics to the Dubai team and follow up locally when needed.
Reporting
• Weekly pipeline and activity reporting to the Commercial Director in Dubai.
• Market intelligence: competitor activity, pricing, new openings and renovation projects.
Regional extension
• Once South Africa is established, progressively extend prospection to neighbouring markets (Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique) in line with the regional roadmap.
Profile
• 5–8 years of B2B sales experience, ideally in hospitality supply, luxury goods, FMCG or premium services sold to hotels.
• Existing network within the South African hospitality industry is a strong advantage.
• Proven hunter profile: comfortable opening doors, presenting to GMs and closing deals autonomously.
• Organised and reliable: able to work remotely from a head office, with structured reporting.
• Comfortable coordinating operational topics (logistics, deliveries) beyond pure sales.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel regularly within South Africa and, over time, the region.
• Right to work in South Africa.
What SAGMA offers
• Ground-floor role in the build-up of an international company's African operations, with direct exposure to leadership.
• A portfolio of world-class luxury brands that opens doors in the 5-star segment.
• Autonomy and room to grow as the regional activity expands.
• Competitive package
Please apply with a CV, cover letter, references.
MUST BE South African, based in Cape Town.
Applications should be sent to [email protected]