Commercial Lead

National Sales & Distribution (Commercial Lead), (FMCG, Household Products)

Location: Lagos, Nigeria (with national travel)

Employment type: Full-time

Remuneration: NGN 500,000 – 600,000 per month [add: plus performance incentives / transport / airtime if applicable]

Build a national distribution network from the ground up

We are a fast-growing household products company, and we are looking for a commercially sharp, hands-on sales leader to take ownership of how our products reach Nigerian homes.

This is not a role where you inherit a finished machine. You will design the sales structure, recruit the team, open the territories and decide how the brand wins in Lagos’ open markets, in traditional trade and beyond. If you have built or expanded distribution before and want a seat at the table while a business takes shape, this is your opportunity.

Key responsibilities

Strategy and planning

• Develop and execute our national sales and distribution strategy
• Set sales targets, pricing and channel strategy, and territory plans
• Decide where, how and through whom we grow in each region

Channel building

• Build and expand distributor, wholesaler, retailer and institutional channels
• Open new territories and strengthen coverage in Lagos’ open markets and traditional trade networks
• Negotiate terms with distributors and key accounts, protecting both volume and margin

Team leadership

• Recruit, train, manage and motivate the sales and distribution team
• Set clear KPIs and hold the team accountable for results
• Build the sales structure, processes and routines from an early stage

Performance and reporting

• Track sales, market penetration, reorders and channel performance
• Use field data to spot gaps, fix underperformance and double down on what works
• Report clearly on results, risks and opportunities

Cross-functional collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing on trade promotions, activations and brand visibility
• Work with Operations on supply, stock availability and delivery
• Work with Business Development on new channels, partnerships and growth opportunities

Requirements

Must-haves (Requirements)

• At least an HND in a related field (Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, Sales or similar)
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in FMCG sales or commercial roles, preferably in household products (detergents, soaps, cleaning products, personal care or similar)
• Demonstrable experience building or expanding distribution (new distributors, new territories, new outlets)
• Strong knowledge of Lagos open markets and traditional trade channels
• Proven leadership and people-management ability
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills
• Comfort building structures, systems and teams in an early-stage environment

You will stand out if you:

• Have a strong network of distributors, wholesalers and market-level contacts
• Have worked in a challenger or high-growth brand
• Are data-driven and use sales numbers to make decisions
• Are willing to be in the market, not just in the office

What Makes You Right for This Role

• You think like an owner, not an employee
• You are resilient, resourceful and comfortable with ambiguity
• You lead from the front: in the field, at the distributor’s warehouse, in the market
• You are results-driven, disciplined and accountable