Job Description
Driving commercial growth within the competitive food manufacturing sector, this position is pivotal for expanding the footprint of a premium bakery and food ingredients distributor across key regional networks. It suits a mature, self-disciplined professional who balances cold-hunt business development with strategic account management. Operating on a full-time, hybrid basis with standard business hours (Winter: 07:00 - 16:30; Summer: 07:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday), the successful candidate will independently manage a large territory to secure long-term partnerships with industrial bakeries, manufacturers, and distributors.
Key Responsibilities:
New Business Acquisition: Proactively hunt, identify, and secure high-value commercial accounts across food manufacturing, industrial bakeries, and distribution sectors to expand regional market share aggressively.
Strategic Account Management: Nurture and retain established client portfolios, embedding value-add solutions to drive consistent upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
Territory Strategy & Execution: Formulate and execute localized sales plans tailored to regional market nuances, ensuring monthly and quarterly revenue targets are consistently achieved.
Market Intelligence & Analysis: Monitor FMCG industry trends, competitor movements, and shifting client demands to inform pricing strategy and maintain a strong competitive edge.
Commercial Presentations: Draft and deliver highly professional sales proposals, presentations, and product demonstrations that clearly articulate the technical value of the product range.
Performance Reporting: Maintain precise CRM data, manage pipeline visibility, and deliver accurate sales forecasting and KPI reports to leadership.
Brand Representation: Attend key trade exhibitions, industry forums, and corporate networking events to generate high-quality leads and enhance brand presence in the field.
Requirements
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of proven field sales experience, specifically within the FMCG, food manufacturing, or food ingredients sectors.
Track Record: A demonstrable history of meeting or exceeding commercial sales targets and successfully onboarding new corporate accounts.
Mobility: Must possess a valid South African driver's licence and a reliable personal vehicle suitable for extensive regional travel.
Soft Skills: Exceptional negotiation, corporate communication, and interpersonal skills backed by a professional, mature presence.
Autonomy: High levels of self-discipline and the proven capability to work autonomously under a hybrid/remote territory management model.