- In this capacity, you will provide dedicated independent contracting services to support direct-to-consumer (DTC) and business-to-business (B2B) growth, local supply chain execution, and retail expansion for an emerging conscious skincare brand entering the South African market. Availability: Approximately 15 hours per week (hybrid setup; remote work combined with local inventory oversight and in-person client visits in the Sandton/Johannesburg region).
- The primary objective of the role is to drive brand launch and market traction across South Africa by securing wholesale stockists, driving consumer conversions, and maintaining hands-on control over physical inventory, order fulfilment, and regional logistics.
- Initial engagement: 3-month contract, approximately 15 hours per week (with potential for expanded scope and hours as commercial traction grows)
- Work arrangement: Hybrid (Remote work from home with required on-site inventory management in Sandton/Johannesburg and in-person Gauteng client visits)
- Schedule: Flexible, aligned with stock fulfilment schedules, retail buyer availability, and logistical deadlines
- Contract type: Independent Contractor
Scope of Services
Commercial Growth & B2B Trade Expansion
The contractor will:
- Identify, prospect, and engage prospective retail stockists, boutique stores, salons, spas, and wellness outlets across South Africa.
- Pitch brand positioning, wholesale pricing, and product lines to B2B decision-makers.
- Negotiate initial purchase orders, onboard new stockists, and foster long-term wholesale relationships.
DTC Channel Optimization & Market Intelligence
The contractor will:
- Support direct-to-consumer sales initiatives and customer engagement campaigns.
- Gather and synthesise consumer and stockist feedback on product performance, packaging, and formulation.
- Monitor competitor pricing, promotional tactics, and category trends within the ethical/natural beauty space.
- Recommend actionable refinements to pricing models, promotional bundles, and go-to-market strategies.
Pipeline Administration & Sales Reporting
The contractor will:
- Build and maintain a structured B2B and trade sales pipeline using CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Zoho CRM).
- Track outreach volume, sample dispatches, follow-up cadences, and conversion rates.
- Maintain accurate buyer contact records, order histories, and trade account profiles.
Inventory Auditing & Facility Management
The contractor will:
- Conduct regular physical stock counts and quality audits at the Sandton/Johannesburg storage facility.
- Manage stock receipts, batch tracking, product expiration checks, and shrinkage prevention.
- Maintain up-to-date digital inventory logs and re-order thresholds using inventory/ERP tools and spreadsheets.
Fulfilment, Logistics & Courier Coordination
The contractor will:
- Oversee end-to-end order processing, including picking, custom product kitting, packing, and dispatch.
- Liaise daily with local courier and freight partners to ensure timely, cost-effective dispatches and tracking accuracy.
- Conduct urgent, ad-hoc, or VIP product deliveries across the greater Johannesburg metropolitan area when necessary.
Deliverables
The contractor will provide:
- Sales pipeline and B2B outreach report detailing new leads contacted, meetings held, and samples distributed.
- Inventory status report detailing stock on hand, units dispatched, incoming shipments, and low-stock alerts.
- Order fulfilment log tracking delivery lead times, courier performance, and shipping issue resolutions.
- Customer feedback summary highlighting product feedback and retailer objections or inquiries.
- Monthly commercial performance review summarizing wholesale revenue, DTC volume, and new account acquisitions.
- Comprehensive inventory audit and reconciliation report matching physical stock to digital records.
- Competitor and market insights report with actionable recommendations for pricing, bundles, and product expansion.
- Operational logistics assessment identifying cost-saving opportunities or courier workflow efficiencies.
Requirements
Required Skills & Experience
The contractor should demonstrate:
- Recognised qualification (Certificate, Diploma, or Degree) in Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, or a related discipline.
- Proven mid-level commercial experience spanning outbound sales, business development, and hands-on inventory/logistics management.
- Hands-on understanding of warehousing basics, stock control, product kitting, and courier dispatch workflows.
- Experience managing structured B2B sales pipelines and customer relationship workflows.
- Residence within the Sandton / Johannesburg region to facilitate frequent physical access to stock and local retail visits.
- Valid South African driver's license and reliable personal vehicle for local deliveries and client meetings.
- High degree of autonomy, commercial drive, and meticulous attention to physical and administrative detail.
Preferred Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Prior industry experience within beauty, skincare, cosmetics, or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
- Strong affinity for ethical, natural, vegan, eco-friendly, or conscious lifestyle brands.
- Proficiency using cloud inventory management/ERP systems and CRM platforms (e.g., Zoho CRM, HubSpot).
- Advanced skills in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Google Sheets / Microsoft Excel for inventory tracking).