We are seeking a driven and dynamic Sales / New Business Development Representative to join our team, specialising in the food and beverage industry. This role is ideal for a proactive hunter who thrives on identifying and securing new business opportunities through cold calling and persistent outreach.
Your mission will be to expand our client base and drive sales growth, while also nurturing and maintaining strong customer relationships to ensure long-term retention. With a focus on both acquiring new clients and cultivating existing ones, you will leverage your sales expertise and technical knowledge to enhance our market presence and deliver exceptional service.
If you are a motivated individual with a passion for sales and a proven track record in closing new business development opportunities, we invite you to contribute to our ongoing success.
KP AREA 1 – New Sales Development and Growth
- Grow sales by identifying, analysing, and capitalising on opportunities for new customer acquisitions, as well as growth within existing customers through product and application recommendations
- Conduct market research to identify market share availability in the applicable territory
- Identify prospective customers and decision-makers in prospect accounts, assessing the viability of progressing
- Continuously focus on sales growth execution and ensure achievement of new business sales targets
- Prepare, implement and execute/manage sales development plans to expand client base in your region
- Prepare, present, and submit proposals to prospective clients using approved templates.
- Engage relevant internal stakeholders to prepare a formal response for RFQ submissions.
- Ensure that special prices and terms are within the agreed limits, adhering to approved Divisional Price Structure
- Monitor, assess and report on any competitor activities encountered in the market affecting business growth.
- Build and maintain local networks: Forums/Consultants/Retailers etc.
- Attend exhibitions, trade conferences and networking events to expand industry knowledge and create opportunities for new business partnerships and relationships
KP AREA 2 – Customer Service & Relationship Management
- Ensure achievement of existing business sales targets
- Build and maintain existing client relationships through planned visits and implementation of formal performance review structures and methodology.
- Manage existing accounts with special consideration of Key Account Customers ensuring service delivery, client satisfaction, and business retention through active engagement with Plant Management and personnel.
- Ensure close collaboration with Key Account Managers on matters and standards pertaining to key National and International customer groups.
- Ensure customer queries/complaints are handled efficiently, timeously, and resolved in a professional manner.
- Assist Customer Service Teams with coordination of customer orders, deliveries, complaints and queries by acting as the liaison between finance and admin and the end-user client
- Maintain effective working relationships with customer services to satisfy customer demands
- Ensure Customer presentations are in accordance with STH standards and projected on relevant templates.
- Actively promote regular reviews with customer management team on matters relating to Hygiene.
- Develop a territory plan that optimises traveling time and call frequencies, ensuring Client safety and site access requirements are adhered to at all times
KP AREA 3 – Product and Technical Duties
- Maintain updated knowledge and technical data for full product range, including Product Safety & applications
- Make relevant product and application recommendations to customers, with the goal of expanding the number of products sold to each existing customer
- Ensure Client / Site Services and Technical Reporting is performed effectively by team members
- Monitor Client product usage, to optimise usage and product offerings
- Ensure resolution of any technical queries, unable to be resolved by team members
- Conduct Product Training / Information sessions with Clients and Client staff
- Assist with product range development and field trials where applicable
KP AREA 4 – Communications and Reporting
- Ensure a professional approach when dealing with all Clients and related personnel (all levels)
- Written and verbal communication must be professional and comply with STH code of conduct
- Present yourself in a professional manner upholding the reputation of the Company
- Report regularly on client site usages, sales, and new potential clients (to Management).
KP AREA 5 – People Management
- Establish and drive Company culture, values, vision, and mission.
- Ensure compliance with Code of Good Practice and Disciplinary policy & procedure.
- Manage employee relationships to drive engagement and motivation.
- Monitor and manage performance to drive productivity and efficiency.
- Monitor and manage time and attendance, including monitoring absenteeism and leave abuse.
- Manage recruitment and selection in line with operational requirements and to enable achievement of employment equity transformation goals.
- Monitor and manage skills development, training, and succession planning
Experience and Qualifications
- A Tertiary qualification (Microbiology or Chemical Engineering or BSc in Biochemistry, Chemistry & Microbiology) will be highly advantageous.
- 5-7 years sales and management experience in a similar industry will be essential.
- Previous experience within the Chemical and Hygiene industry is essential.
- Previous experience in calling on the food and beverage sectors promoting hygiene solutions essential.
- Strong management, communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
- Must be computer literate with good working knowledge of MS Office.
- Candidate must have sound understanding of business processes and have strong financial acumen.
- Demonstrate Technical competence in Chemistry and/or Microbiology will be advantageous
- Good communication and report writing skills
Skills
- MS Office (E-Mail, Word, Excel, PPT)
- Supervisory
- Presentation
- Customer Service
- Customer Relationship Management
- Proposal Development
- Negotiation
- Root Cause Analysis & Report Writing
- Sales Experience
- Staff Management / Team Leader skills
- Full understanding of Chemical Products and Requirements in F&B Industry
Competencies
- Customer Service Orientated
- Commercial Effectiveness
- Persuasiveness (influence)
- Results / Target orientated
- Teamwork
- Sales Acumen
- Planning & Organising
- Time Management
- Problem-solving
- Systematic
- Accuracy / Attention to detail
- Technical aptitude
Package Offered
This position will attract a Market Related salary according to qualification and experience gained.
The position and the recruitment process for this position are governed by the Group’s Employment Equity, Recruitment and Selection Policy.
Please e-mail [email protected] your contact details and abridged resume should you believe that you have what it takes to join the OFT Group and grow together.
Closing Date: 18 September 2024