Sales Representative (Food and Beverage)

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a driven and dynamic Sales Representative, specializing in the food and beverage industry. This role is ideal for a proactive hunter who thrives on identifying and securing new business opportunities. Role will be based in Midrand Johannesburg.

POSITION INFO:
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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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