Sales and Marketing Manager Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the sales and marketing activities of an organisation.
What does a Sales and Marketing Manager do?
A Sales and Marketing Manager leads the organisation’s efforts to reach customers and support sales growth. The role involves setting priorities, organising sales and marketing work, coordinating activities across the organisation, controlling how this work is carried out and guiding areas such as business development, key accounts, business support or insurance sales and marketing.
Specialisations
How to become a Sales and Marketing Manager in South Africa
- Build a foundation in marketing and sales through a relevant qualification, such as the Certificate: Marketing Management, the Higher Certificate in Marketing and Sales Management, or an N4, N5 or N6 National Certificate in Marketing Management.
- Develop practical experience in sales, marketing, business development, customer accounts or business support, then take on increasing responsibility for coordinating activities and delivering results.
- Strengthen your ability to plan, organise, direct and control sales and marketing activities in an organisational setting.
- Compare the available qualification options and confirm current registration, provider and assessment details with SAQA or an accredited provider.
- Remember that relevant education can support entry into the field, while management roles commonly also involve workplace progression and increasing responsibility.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
There are several relevant marketing and sales education pathways at different levels. Choose an option that suits your current education and career plans, and verify current details before enrolling. Practical workplace experience is also valuable because management responsibilities commonly develop through progression into roles with greater coordination and accountability.
Useful school subjects
- Business Studies
- Accounting
- Economics
- English
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
Skills that may help
- Planning and organising
- Leadership and coordination
- Sales and marketing thinking
- Communication
- Customer and key-account relationship management
- Business development
- Decision-making and control of activities