External Sales Rep - Free State

Job Title:

External Sales Representative – Free State

Job Purpose:

The incumbent will be responsible for driving and managing sales across the Free State region, growing the customer base, opening new accounts and maintaining strong relationships with retail hardware customers. The role requires an experienced external sales professional with strong business development, account management, merchandising and territory management capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Achieve monthly and quarterly sales targets
• Drive new business development and expand the customer base within the region
• Identify and open new retail hardware accounts
• Manage and grow relationships with existing retail hardware customers
• Visit the full customer base at least once a month
• Visit key customers twice a month and develop customer strategies
• Identify new product opportunities and recommend suitable product lines to customers
• Assess the viability and growth potential of the customer base within the region
• Develop and manage an effective territory and route plan
• Travel regularly to outlying areas within the Free State
• Ensure stores are merchandised according to company standards
• Conduct product demonstration days at customer stores
• Ensure customers have the required stands and service level agreements in place
• Manage and ensure the execution of in-store installations
• Monitor the maintenance of display stands and merchandising standards
• Work closely with and support, mentor and coach the Merchandiser
• Prepare and submit weekly call planners
• Compile monthly sales reports and analyse sales performance
• Complete customer contracts, proposals and quotations
• Assist customers with credit applications and submit required documentation
• Establish and maintain professional customer relationships
• Negotiate effectively with customers and identify opportunities to increase sales
• Analyse sales data and statistics and translate findings into practical sales solutions
• Maintain accurate customer and sales records
• Work towards expanding the customer base and territory coverage
• Participate in sales and promotional activities as required
• Meet deadlines and operate effectively in a fast-paced sales environment

Qualifications & Experience:

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Minimum 5 years’ external sales experience
• Proven sales experience within the hardware, building materials or FMCG sector
• Sales and Marketing qualification or certificate advantageous
• Valid driver’s licence
• Experience managing a territory and customer base
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets
• Experience opening new accounts and developing new business
• Strong understanding of retail customer requirements
• Ability to analyse sales data and identify sales opportunities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint
• CRM experience advantageous
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Afrikaans
• Strong interpersonal, networking and negotiation skills
• Strong planning, organisation and time-management skills
• Customer-focused with strong attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Well presented and professional
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Willingness to travel extensively, including to outlying areas

Salary:

Market related + commission