Sales

Industry: Retail, Fashion & FMCG

Location: Nairobi

Job Level: Mid-Level

Work Type: Contract

Minimum Qualification:

Bachelor’s Degree in either:

• Communications/ PR/ Journalism

• Hospitality Management

• Business Studies (Sales/ Marketing specialisation) Minimum Years of Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years proven field sales experience, with demonstrated ability to build client pipelines from scratch.

About Us: Ithira is a treasure-trove of African fashion, a retail store solely devoted to highlighting the latest and very best in contemporary African wear. Created as a place where fashion is a lifestyle and a haven of personal choice, Ithira will naturally appeal to the woman and man of today’s Africa. We've been creating premium kitenge-inspired clothing in Nairobi since 2019. Our Sarit Centre store  has built a loyal customer base through quality and craftsmanship. Our customers love what we  do. Your job is to connect us with more of them.

Job Description: We're looking for someone who thrives in the field, not behind a desk. This role is  for a self-starter who knows how to open doors, build relationships, and close deals; someone who  sees rejection as redirection and persistence as strategy.

You'll be responsible for mapping your territory, identifying high-value prospects, and securing bulk  orders from corporates, churches, event planners, wedding coordinators, and other institutional  buyers. You'll build your own prospecting strategy and take prospects through the entire sales  journey, i.e. from cold outreach to signed contracts to repeat orders. Your ability to navigate different  personalities, read rooms, and adapt your approach will be critical in expanding our market reach.

This is a performance-driven role with real financial opportunity. If you're disciplined, resourceful,  and know how to carry yourself in rooms where decision-makers are busy and first impressions About The Role: We've been retail-focused for the past 7 years and are now making our first serious  push into institutional and bulk sales. There's no pipeline yet; this role invites you to create it. That means you'll have full ownership of this sales channel and significant earning potential if you can  execute. If you have a builder mentality and are comfortable starting from scratch to prove what's  possible, this is your opportunity. 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead Generation & Outreach:

• Identify and contact potential bulk buyers (churches, corporates, event planners, wedding  coordinators, schools, NGOs etc)

• Conduct regular cold outreach (calls, visits, emails, networking events)

• Build and maintain an active pipeline of qualified prospects

• Attend industry events, expos, and networking opportunities

Sales & Closing:

• Pitch Ithira's value proposition for bulk orders

• Present product samples and pricing packages

• Negotiate pricing and terms

• Close deals and coordinate fulfilment

• Follow up relentlessly until you get a yes or a definitive no

Relationship Management:

• Nurture repeat clients for ongoing orders

• Ask for referrals from satisfied clients

• Represent Ithira professionally at all touchpoints

• Report regularly on pipeline activity and closed deals

Your success will be measured by revenue closed, not meetings attended.

ABOUT YOU:

YOU ALREADY HAVE:

• 5 years field sales experience (Fashion, FMCG, B2B services, or events preferred)

• A proven track record. You've closed deals before and can demonstrate results

• Comfortable with rejection. You understand "no" is just part of the process

• Self-directed. You create your own opportunities without constant supervision

• Professional presence. You can hold your own in any setting PERSONAL TRAITS THAT MAKE YOU WIN PROFESSIONALLY

You are persistent. You don't quit after one "no." You follow up strategically, three times, five times, 

however many it takes, without becoming a nuisance. Rejection does not discourage you; it 

sharpens your approach. You understand that relentlessness wins in sales, but you apply it with  finesse: you're firm but respectful, memorable but not desperate. You are determined but mindful  enough to know when to push and when to give space, always leaving the door open for the next  conversation.

You are resilient: You bounce back quickly from setbacks. You've been ignored, dismissed, and told  "no" countless times, and you're still standing. You've developed the thick skin that sales requires. You understand that persistence, not perfection, wins in sales. You are an outstanding communicator. You read people quickly and adapt your approach  accordingly. You pick up on verbal and nonverbal cues, i.e. tone, body language, hesitation, and  adjust your pitch to match. You know that sales conversations aren't a one-size-fits-all: some clients  want details, others want the big picture; some need time, others decide fast. You ask the right  discovery questions, listen more than you talk, and make clients feel understood, not sold to. You're  equally strong in writing and speaking, whether it's a polished proposal, a persuasive email, or a  spontaneous pitch.

You are professionally detached: You don't take business rejection personally. Being told "no,"  ignored, or dismissed doesn't shake your confidence, you understand that it's just part of the process, one more step to an actual close. You're comfortable being assertive without needing  approval. You can follow up persistently without worrying whether people think you are pushy or  annoying. Your self-worth isn't tied to every interaction going well.

You are commercially-minded: You think like a business owner, not just a salesperson. You  understand that every deal needs to be profitable, not just for the client, but for Ithira too. You know  when to push for the close, when to negotiate, and when to walk away from deals that don't make  financial sense.

You are resourceful: You solve problems without waiting for solutions to be handed to you. If one  door closes, you find another, or you build one. You don't wait for leads; you generate them through  networking events, social media, referrals, cold calls, walk-ins, and strategic introductions. Obstacles  don't stop you, they just force you to get creative.

You are disciplined: You manage your own time and priorities. You are deliberate about planning,  preparation and sales success. You plan your week, focus on high-value prospects, and execute  consistently. You track your own progress and adjust when needed.

You are committed. You take your work seriously. Your work ethic is outstanding. Your work ethic can be corroborated. You're not job-hopping or treating this as a temporary gig. You're building a career in sales because you're good at it and genuinely enjoy the challenge. You're here for the long game, and you're willing to put in the work to prove it. You set ambitious goals, go above and  beyond to hit them, and understand that your effort directly determines your success. You are not  the type to wing it, but rather planning and focus are central tenets of who you are. You understand  that big results come from small consistent actions over time. You show up, you follow through,  and you deliver. You are clear that when you deliver for the business, the business delivers for you. You are poised: You're comfortable in any room. Whether it's a pastor's office, a CEO's boardroom,  or a wedding planner's studio, you adapt. You read the room, adjust your approach, and build  rapport quickly. You're confident without being arrogant. You are well presented: First impressions matter. You know that style is a way of saying who you  are without having to speak. You dress appropriately, communicate clearly, and carry yourself with  quiet confidence. You navigate both formal and informal settings with ease.

WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR:

• Someone who needs constant direction

• Someone who makes excuses when things don't go as planned

• Someone who is experimenting with sales instead of committing to it as a career

• Someone uncomfortable with cold outreach

• Someone who cannot handle being told "no" or being ignored

• Someone who needs constant validation or approval

• Someone who avoids follow-ups for fear of being "too pushy"

• Someone looking for a desk-based role

COMPENSATION:

This is a performance-driven role with significant earning potential. You can look forward to:

• Competitive base salary

• Attractive commission on all deals you close

• Performance bonuses for hitting monthly, quarterly, and annual targets

• Potential promotion to Senior Field Sales Executive after demonstrating consistent results

We reward results and invest in people who deliver. Your earning potential is only limited by your  ability to execute and scale.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:

In your first 90 days, you will:

• Build a robust pipeline of qualified prospects

• Book and conduct regular client meetings

• Close your first deals and establish momentum

• Demonstrate your ability to operate independently

Beyond 90 days, you will:

• Maintain a self-sustaining pipeline

• Establish recurring client relationships

• Consistently meet and exceed monthly targets

• Build a track record that positions you for growth within the company

We reward performance. If you deliver results, this role can genuinely change your financial  trajectory.

HOW TO APPLY:

We want proof that you can sell. Applications must include:

• A C.V. that clearly highlights your sales achievements & excellence

• A well-crafted cover letter addressing:

o How your experience positions you to add value to Ithira

o Specific examples demonstrating 3-5 key traits from our criteria

o Evidence of past sales performance

o Your approach to consistently exceeding sales targets

o Why you're interested in building a career with Ithira specifically

o What you find most rewarding and challenging about sales

o Your expected salary range

• Send us a 5 to 7 minute video answering the following questions:

o Describe your best sales win. What was the situation, how did you approach it, and  what was the outcome?

o Tell us about a time you faced repeated rejection but still closed the deal. What kept  you going?

If you don't have a track record in sales, this role isn't for you.

WHAT YOU GET:

Financially:

• Performance-driven compensation with significant earning potential

• Competitive base salary plus attractive commission on all closed deals

• Your income scales directly with your results

Professional Growth:

• Build and own your client portfolio from scratch

• Clear path to team leadership and sales management roles

• Autonomy to manage your schedule and sales approach

• Opportunity to influence brand direction through your market insights

Brand Value:

• Represent a premium brand with over 7 years of credibility and quality

• Be part of scaling Ithira from boutique to corporate

• Contribute to Kenya's growing fashion industry and Vision 2030 goals

Work Environment:

• Responsibility and room to grow

• Learn new skills on the job

• Work with a founder who values execution and results

ONE FINAL NOTE:

This role requires independence, resilience, and self-motivation. You'll report to the founder 

regularly, but day-to-day execution is yours to manage.

If you require a rigid reporting structure and supervision in order to deliver, this isn't the right fit. If 

you're a self-starter who thrives on autonomy and knows how to close, we want to hear from you!