Internal Sales and Production Manager

SUMMARY:
Job Title: Internal Sales and Production Manager (Advertising Agency Background and Work Experience)
Location:  Centurion
Remuneration: Negotiable dependent on work experience

Our client, a promotional products supplier, is looking to employ an Internal Sales and Production Manager to join their team in Centurion. Will be required to have a Valid Driver's License and have their own reliable transport.
 
Key Purpose of The Job:
The Internal Sales and Production Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing all procurement and external production-related aspects on their allocated portfolio, from quoting and sourcing to quality control and final product delivery from suppliers.
This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
 
We are looking for your sales and production experience within an Advertising Agency.

Acting as the operational hub for all project activity, the Production Project Manager will liaise daily with clients, suppliers, and the logistics department to ensure client deliverables are met on time, on spec, and to the highest quality standards, specifically focusing on outsourced production and branding services.

 
Qualification, knowledge, and experience requirements:

• Matric with Diploma or Degree in a tertiary qualification in Business Management, Sales, Logistics Management, or in Project Management.
• Experience in the corporate gifting, promotional products, or branding industry is advantageous.
• Proven experience in a production project management role with a strong emphasis on client/ supplier management and procurement: 7+ years.
• Industry experience in design, external production, print, corporate gifting, packaging, eventing, brand activations and BTL Advertising environments: 10 years.
• Track record of Supply Chain or Project Management experience.
• Experience in working with senior clients and suppliers.
• Ability to lead/mentor team members.
• On-time delivery rate: Percentage of projects delivered on schedule from suppliers.
• Quality control: Number of quality issues and defects per order from suppliers.
• Quality vs price output of sourced products.
• Production costs: Competitive rates, cost savings methods, and expense tracking related to external production.
• Supplier performance: Supplier delivery times and quality ratings.
• Team productivity: Employee productivity and efficiency metrics.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented individual with excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• A proactive and resourceful problem-solver, capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team.

POSITION INFO:
Duties and Responsibilities:
Supplier & Procurement Management

• Source and manage a diverse portfolio of external suppliers to ensure cost-effective, timely delivery, and high-quality production/branding of client products.
• Negotiate contracts and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers. * Manage supplier margin negotiation to ensure competitive rates.
• Issue supplier purchase orders accurately and efficiently.
• Proactively follow up on quotes and orders with suppliers.
• Identify and source innovative product offerings, staying abreast of new market innovations and products from suppliers.
• Check and approve supplier invoices and follow up on payments.
• Measure physical stock items received from suppliers for accurate artwork scaling.
• Check and approve supplier artwork and ensure proof sign-offs are obtained.

• Manage the end-to-end project workflow, coordinating external production across multiple suppliers and brands.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, prioritising tasks and managing workloads to meet client deadlines.
• Oversee the full production process from client intakes, through external manufacturing/ branding, to final delivery.
• Assign, monitor, and review tasks for balanced workloads and accountability within project teams.
• Forecast timelines and track milestones using internal project tools.
• Identify risks and bottlenecks early within the supply chain and take proactive action to ensure project continuity.
• Manage internal design and logistics deadlines in relation to external production.
• Collaborate on overall project schedules.
• Conduct project scoping and quote generation.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and financial records, preparing regular status reports.

• Implement and maintain quality control standards for all outsourced production elements.
• Conduct regular quality checks on products received from suppliers to ensure they meet client specifications and the companies high standards.
• Identify and promptly resolve any quality issues or defects with suppliers.

• Responsible for budgeting, cost control, and reporting on a project basis.
• Monitor production costs from suppliers and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Monitor spend versus cost estimates and report on variances.
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• Communicate effectively with client service leads/project managers to provide updates and address concerns.
• Manage client/ Account Manager’s expectations and ensure satisfaction.
• Liaise directly with clients and suppliers for updates, expectations, and approvals.
• Ensure timely communication with the client service team.
• Ensure effective integration and communication with Design, Account Management, and Logistics teams.

• Help improve internal workflows, documentation, and overall efficiency related to procurement and external production processes.
• Champion strong project communication and structured documentation.