SALES DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE - Food, Nutrition & Agricultural Ingredients (Free State)

A leading Food, Nutrition & Agricultural Ingredient manufacturer is seeking an energetic, commercially driven Business Sales Development Representative to develop new business opportunities and grow the company’s presence across South Africa.  The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying prospective clients, developing strong business relationships, generating sales opportunities and representing the company across its target markets.  The role will be predominantly focused on the Free State, Gauteng and North West, with responsibility for servicing clients and developing opportunities throughout the rest of South Africa on a smaller scale and/or less frequent basis. The position will also involve extensive travel particularly where new business and market-development opportunities are identified. This is a high-travel, business-development-focused position and will suit an individual who is comfortable working independently, travelling extensively and engaging with clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.      Identify and develop new business opportunities primarily within the Free State, Gauteng and North West.

2.      Develop business opportunities throughout the rest of South Africa as required.

3.      Identify and pursue new business opportunities in selected African markets.

4.      Research potential customers, distributors, partners and commercial opportunities.

5.      Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.

6.      Conduct face-to-face client meetings, presentations and product demonstrations.

7.      Generate leads and proactively pursue new sales opportunities.

8.      Develop territory and market-specific sales strategies.

9.      Identify market-entry opportunities and potential distributors/strategic partners.

10.  Prepare quotations, proposals and commercial presentations.

11.  Negotiate with customers and assist in closing sales.

12.  Maintain accurate records of sales activity, prospects and customer interactions.

13.  Monitor market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities.

14.  Attend trade shows, exhibitions, conferences and industry events in South Africa and Africa.

15.  Work closely with management and internal teams to ensure customer requirements are met.

16.  Provide regular sales reports, forecasts and market intelligence.

17.  Represent the company professionally at all times.

18.  Build and maintain a strong network of contacts throughout South Africa and relevant African markets.

19.  Travel extensively, including approximately 2–3 weeks per month where required, to service clients and develop new business opportunities.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Performance will be measured against:

·         New business generated.

·         Sales revenue and achievement of agreed targets.

·         Number and quality of new leads generated.

·         Conversion of prospects into customers.

·         Growth within the Free State, Gauteng and North West territories.

·         Development of business throughout the rest of South Africa.

·         Growth within targeted markets.

·         Development of strategic customer and distributor relationships.

·         Client retention and relationship management.

·         Accuracy of sales forecasting and reporting.

·         Successful market-development initiatives.

·         Achievement of agreed sales and business-development targets.

REQUIREMENTS

1.      Matric / Grade 12.

2.      Fluency in spoken, written and reading Afrikaans (essential)

3.      Must be based in the Free State

4.      Relevant tertiary qualification in Sales, Marketing, Business Management, Commerce or a related field would be advantageous.

5.      Proven sales and/or business development experience.

6.      Experience in B2B sales is advantageous.

7.      Previous experience dealing with African markets or international clients is highly desirable.

8.      Experience in customised vitamin and mineral premixes, food ingredients, nutrition, agricultural ingredients or a related industry is highly advantageous.

9.      Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.

10.  Strong networking and relationship-building ability.

11.  Commercially minded with a strong understanding of sales processes.

12.  Ability to identify opportunities and convert leads into business.

13.  Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

14.  Computer literate, including Microsoft Office.

15.  Valid driver's licence.

16.  Willingness and ability to undertake extensive travel within South Africa

17.  Ability to work independently and manage a geographically dispersed client base.

18.  Willingness to spend extended periods away from home when business requirements dictate

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

1.      Highly driven and target-oriented.

2.      Confident, professional and commercially astute.

3.      Self-motivated and able to work independently.

4.      Excellent communicator and relationship builder.

5.      Resilient and adaptable.

6.      Comfortable with extensive domestic and international travel.

7.      Well presented and commercially minded.

8.      Persistent in pursuing new business opportunities.

9.      Able to operate effectively with limited supervision.

10.  Energetic and proactive.

11.  Strong negotiation and influencing skills.

12.  Able to build credibility and long-term relationships with customers and business partners.

REMUNERATION

Market Related