Market Development Manager – Luxury Fragrance

Johannesburg, South AfricaFull-timeSeniorOn-sitePosted 26 Oct 2026

Job Overview

Vital Element is recruiting a Market Development Manager in Johannesburg for a prestigious African luxury fragrance house (CareerJunction 2646584; advert valid to 27 November 2026). Inspired by Africa’s culture, creativity and heritage, the brand’s fragrances are crafted to world-class standards and positioned in the premium luxury market; the incumbent will lead the launch, development and expansion of the brand in South Africa – a rare opportunity to build a luxury brand from the ground up in the country’s leading beauty and luxury retail channels.

Reporting directly to international leadership, the Market Development Manager develops and executes the South African market-entry and growth strategy, secures and grows partnerships with major retail groups and luxury beauty channels, acts as brand custodian, coordinates stock forecasting and replenishment with international stakeholders, localises global campaigns and luxury activations, and owns sales, profitability, budgets and business reviews. The role suits a well-connected fragrance or beauty professional from a top-ten luxury fragrance house.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the South African market-entry and growth strategy

• Identify, secure and grow partnerships with leading retail groups and luxury beauty channels; lead negotiations

• Build relationships with senior decision-makers, category managers and buying teams

• Act as brand custodian, ensuring consistent brand standards, listings, launches and in-store visibility

• Coordinate stock forecasting, inventory planning, order management and replenishment with international teams

• Localise global campaigns; plan luxury events, activations and launches; build media and influencer relationships

• Deliver sales and profitability objectives; manage budgets, forecasts and business reviews for executive leadership

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within top-ten luxury fragrance houses

• Proven track record managing or launching premium brands in South Africa

• Existing relationships with major South African beauty and luxury retailers

• Demonstrated success in business development, retail partnership management and commercial negotiation

• Strong understanding of retail distribution, merchandising, inventory planning and brand execution

• Excellent presentation and stakeholder skills; valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel nationally

Skills & Requirements

Luxury FragrancePremium BeautyMarket Entry StrategyBrand ManagementRetail PartnershipsKey Account NegotiationBusiness DevelopmentInventory PlanningMerchandisingBrand ActivationP&L ManagementRetail Distribution