Nessen Pillay
Business Development
About
Dedicated and results-oriented business development and sales professional with over 32 years' experience across the FMCG, liquor, and wholesale industries. Proven expertise in securing new customers, nurturing account relationships, and implementing consultative sales strategies that drive sustained revenue growth. Skilled in market analysis, client relationship management, contract negotiation, and building strategic partnerships that expand market presence.
A confident communicator and negotiator who balances independent drive with strong team collaboration, consistently delivering measurable results and contributing positively to organisational goals.
Experience
Business Development Executive - Osmans Spice Works
(2025-10)
- Developed business growth plans by identifying key clients, critical targets, and priority service lines.
- Negotiated contracts with new clients to secure profitable deals and expand the client base.
- Managed the CRM database to ensure accurate tracking of sales activities and client communications.
- Advised business clients on the best mix of products for maximum sales and consumer engagement.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of the industry, target accounts, and competitive landscape.
- Managed escalated client enquiries with professionalism to maintain trust and reliability.
Director - NNTY Holdings
(2014-02)
- Engaged national chain stores to manage pricing strategy, stock control, and promotions.
- Negotiated trading terms and developed detailed sales and business plans.
- Identified and developed new in-store activities and branding opportunities to increase sales.
- Encouraged retailers to participate in promotions and presented bundle deals.
- Set product-specific targets with retailers and ensured correct stock levels and merchandising.
- Conducted training with retail staff on product listings and addressed customer concerns and queries.
National Key Accounts Manager - Nova Tissue
(2011-09 - 2014-01)
- Managed product listings, negotiations, and shelf space allocation with major retailers.
- Engaged with key retail accounts to ensure proper product advertisement and distribution.
- Negotiated trading terms and promotional arrangements with national clients.
- Monitored stock levels and coordinated distribution to meet customer demand.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with key decision-makers.
- Reviewed sales performance to align strategies with company objectives.
National Sales Manager - TAC Distribution
(2010-07 - 2011-08)
- Managed national product listings, deal negotiations, and key accounts.
- Engaged with chain stores and managed a team of sales representatives.
- Ensured competitive pricing and effective national distribution.
- Conducted sales forecasting and managed budgets to meet targets.
- Oversaw the sales and distribution of Conjure Cognac.
- Built and maintained profitable partnerships with retail clients.
Food Service Advisor (Senior Sales Executive) - Lou's Wholesalers
(2008-07 - 2010-06)
- Managed key accounts, price negotiations, and profit/loss reporting.
- Prepared quotations and developed sales strategies for various institutions.
- Called on institutional clients to identify and secure new business.
- Reported market developments to management for informed decision-making.
- Ensured compliance with company regulations and standards.
- Engaged with Bidvest as a key account partner.
Branch Manager for KZN and Gauteng - SLD Liquor Manufacturers
(2006-04 - 2008-06)
- Managed key accounts and negotiated deals with chain stores.
- Developed and implemented regional sales strategies.
- Built and maintained a strong distributor network.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Monitored branch performance to achieve set targets.
- Coordinated with distributors to ensure product availability.
Sales Director - Quality Spirits
(2005-09 - 2006-03)
- Managed product listings and importing of liquor products.
- Engaged with chain stores to ensure stock availability and promotion.
- Managed distributor relations and ensured timely payments and deliveries.
- Oversaw invoicing, logistics, and payment processes.
- Represented the company in meetings and business negotiations.
- Developed market strategies to support business acquisition.
Sales Manager - Beverage Technology
(2004-09 - 2005-08)
- Managed the sales team, key accounts, and customer quotations.
- Oversaw distributor stock management and account maintenance.
- Engaged with major retail chains to ensure stock rotation and order fulfilment.
- Prepared and issued customer quotations to support sales activities.
- Built and maintained relationships with retail partners in Gauteng.
- Monitored sales performance to meet organisational goals.
Sales Representative - Beverage Technology
(2002-09 - 2004-08)
- Conducted sales and marketing activities within the Durban region.
- Engaged with customers to promote products and secure orders.
- Built and maintained relationships with existing and prospective clients.
- Identified new business opportunities to grow the customer base.
- Reported market feedback and sales activities to management.
- Ensured customer satisfaction through reliable service and follow-up.
Director - Prospection Liquor
(1992-01 - 2002-08)
- Managed purchasing, stock control, and pricing for the business.
- Oversaw sales, payments, debtors, creditors, invoicing, and budgeting.
- Conducted sales analysis and consumer trend analysis to guide decisions.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance sales and company performance.
- Managed extensive sales promotion and advertising activities.
- Oversaw wholesale and liquor operations across the business.
Education
Diploma - Business Management - Damelin (1992-01)
Matriculation with Exemption - Apollo Secondary School (1990-01)
