Retail Sales Representative

Our client is seeking an experienced and ambitious Retail Sales Representative to maintain and grow its customer base across East London, the Transkei region and surrounding areas.

This is a field-based position involving extensive travel and approximately two to three overnight stays per week. The successful candidate will be responsible for strengthening existing customer relationships, identifying new business opportunities and achieving sales targets across the assigned territory.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, commercially minded and confident representing the company in the retail market. Strong industry knowledge and established retail contacts would be highly advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and grow an established portfolio of retail customers.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities throughout the assigned region.
• Develop strong, sustainable relationships with existing and prospective customers.
• Plan and manage regular customer visits across East London, the Transkei region and surrounding areas.
• Achieve agreed sales, revenue and customer-growth targets.
• Develop an informed understanding of customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Monitor sales performance and take proactive action to address gaps or opportunities.
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and follow up consistently on prospective business.
• Represent the company professionally and act as a positive brand ambassador.
• Monitor competitor activity and developments within the retail market.
• Provide regular sales updates and reports to management.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and other departments.
• Travel extensively and stay away from home approximately two to three nights per week.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric.
• A relevant sales certificate or diploma.
• A minimum of seven years' sales experience.
• Proven experience managing and growing a sales territory or customer portfolio.
• Previous experience selling to the retail sector.
• A demonstrated track record of achieving sales targets.
• A valid Code 8 driver's licence.
• A clear criminal record.
• Contactable professional references.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively and stay away from home regularly.

Advantageous Experience

• Industry-specific knowledge relevant to the employer's products or services.
• An established network of contacts within the retail sector.
• Experience managing a geographically dispersed sales territory.
• Experience developing new business while maintaining established customer accounts.

Key Competencies

• Energetic, motivated and results driven.
• Ambitious and commercially aware.
• Strong business-development and relationship-management skills.
• Able to pursue sales targets strategically and consistently.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Professional and confident when representing the company.
• Strong planning, organisation and time-management abilities.
• Able to work independently while remaining a collaborative team member.
• Resilient and comfortable working in a travel-intensive sales environment.