Our client, a leading distributor of premium international sports, performance, lifestyle, and nutrition brands, is seeking an energetic and commercially driven Trade Marketing & Brand Activation Specialist to lead national trade marketing initiatives, retail activations, and consumer engagement strategies. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving brand visibility, enhancing retail execution, managing events and sponsorships, and creating impactful consumer experiences that support sales growth and strengthen brand presence across South Africa.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and implement national trade marketing and brand activation strategies
Plan, coordinate, and execute retail campaigns, product launches, promotions, and seasonal initiatives
Drive in-store brand visibility through effective merchandising, POS displays, and retail execution
Organise and manage brand activations, exhibitions, trade shows, sporting events, and experiential marketing campaigns
Build and maintain relationships with retail partners, sporting organisations, clubs, gyms, ambassadors, influencers, and event partners
Develop and execute community engagement initiatives, including grassroots sports and running events
Manage sponsorships, ambassador programmes, and promotional activities to increase brand awareness
Coordinate activation logistics, suppliers, agencies, promoters, and event staffing
Monitor and maintain retail merchandising standards across all distribution channels
Manage marketing assets, promotional materials, and maintain accurate asset registers and audits
Work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Brand teams to align commercial objectives with marketing initiatives
Track campaign performance, activation ROI, budgets, and provide post-event reporting and market insights
Analyse consumer behaviour, competitor activity, and retail trends to identify growth opportunities
Ensure all activations and marketing initiatives align with global brand standards and business objectives
Travel nationally to support retail partners, activations, exhibitions, and events

REQUIREMENTS:

3–5 years' experience in trade marketing, brand activations, events, experiential marketing, or retail marketing
Experience within the sports, FMCG, retail, lifestyle, fitness, or consumer goods industries
Proven experience managing retail campaigns, promotions, activations, and events
Strong project management, planning, and organisational skills
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management abilities
Commercially minded with strong analytical and reporting skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace
Experience with Canva or similar design platforms will be advantageous
Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel nationally, including occasional weekend work
Passion for sport, fitness, consumer engagement, and premium brand development will be highly advantageous

*ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED*

Trade Marketing and Brand Activation Specialist