Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines (MLFW) is a leading South African Fine Wine producer, celebrated for crafting exceptional, terroir-driven wines from our estates in Franschhoek and Swartland. Renowned for our award-winning portfolio and commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, we are seeking a dynamic Head of Sales and Marketing to elevate our global presence and drive domestic market success while embodying our passion for Fine Wine.
Job Title: Head of Sales and Marketing
Location: Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Franschhoek and Swartland.
Job Purpose:
The Head of Sales and Marketing will work closely with owners Chris & Andrea Mullineux to lead all sales and marketing activities for our Mullineux as well as our Leeu Passant wineries and Great Heart wines, the wine brand owned by the employees of MLFW. The position will have a primary responsibility for export sales while overseeing a high-performing domestic sales team and marketing initiatives. This position is responsible for developing strategic sales and marketing plans, setting pricing and allocations, reporting on performance, and collaborating closely with the MD to align with MLFW’s vision and goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Sales Leadership
- Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to grow export sales in key international markets (e.g., USA, UK, Europe, Asia), strengthening relationships with distributors and identifying new market opportunities.
- Oversee the domestic sales team, including Wholsale, Trade, Direct-to-Consumer, and Tasting Room teams based in Franschhoek and Swartland, ensuring alignment with revenue targets and brand standards.
- Set pricing strategies and manage wine allocations for export and domestic markets, balancing profitability with demand for Mullineux as well as Leeu Passant and Great Heart's portfolio.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, importers, distributors, and trade partners globally and locally.
- Monitor and report sales performance, providing data-driven insights and strategic recommendations to the MD and leadership team.
Marketing Oversight
- Collaborate with the Marketing Manager to develop and implement a cohesive marketing strategy that enhances MLFW's brand visibilities and supports sales objectives across domestic and international markets.
- Oversee brand positioning, promotional campaigns, digital marketing, and events (e.g., tastings, festivals, and trade shows) to reinforce our reputation as a leading fine wine producer.
- Ensure consistent, premium brand messaging across all channels, including trade, DTC, tasting rooms in Franschhoek and Swartland, and export markets.
Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and motivate a team comprising Trade, DTC, Tasting Room, and Marketing Manager, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and passion for wine.
- Set clear targets, performance goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional development for team members.
Strategic Collaboration
- Work closely with the MD to align sales and marketing strategies with MLFW’s business objectives, reflecting the unique identities of our Franschhoek and Swartland estates.
- Provide insights to inform production planning, inventory management, and market expansion, leveraging knowledge of global and local wine trends.
- Represent Mullineux as well as Leeu Passant and Great Heart at industry events, trade shows, and tastings in South Africa and internationally to promote the brand and secure new business opportunities.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree, ideally in Business, Marketing, or a related field (MBA or equivalent preferred).
- 8–10 years of experience in sales and marketing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably in the fine wine or luxury goods sectors.
- Proven success in driving export sales and building international distributor networks, ideally in the Fine Wine wine industry.
- Deep understanding of the South African and International Fine Wine industry, particularly the dynamics of Franschhoek and Swartland wine regions, including trade channels, DTC sales, and tasting room operations.
- Experience managing pricing, allocations, and sales reporting for a premium wine portfolio.
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a track record of inspiring high-performing teams.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with global and local stakeholders.
- Strong proficiency in data analysis and CRM tools to track performance and inform strategy.
- Passion for fine wine and knowledge of global wine markets, consumer trends, and the unique characteristics of Swartland and Franschhoek terroirs.
- Willingness to travel internationally and domestically as required.
Key Competencies:
- Strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
- Leadership with a focus on fostering a collaborative, results-driven team culture.
- Results-oriented with a proven ability to exceed sales targets.
- Creative problem-solving and adaptability in a competitive market.
- Ability to align with MLFW’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
What We Offer:
- A competitive salary.
- The opportunity to lead sales and marketing for a globally respected South African Fine Wine brand with estates in Franschhoek and Swartland.
- A passionate, collaborative work environment.
- Opportunities for professional growth and international exposure.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to chris@mlfwines.com by close of Friday 27 June 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.