A leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty chemical raw materials in South Africa is seeking the above to be responsible for managing key customer accounts and a sales team, driving profitable sales growth, developing commercial strategies, securing new business, maintaining customer relationships, and achieving sales targets and gross margin objectives.

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have National Senior Certificate; A Coschem Diploma and/or equivalent is highly advantageous
• Minimum 10 years’ sales and commercial experience within the chemical environment; preferably within the Homecare, Personal Care and/or the Cosmetic Industry
• Demonstrated track record of achieving sales and gross margin targets
• Demonstrated experience in managing key accounts, negotiating commercial agreements and developing new business
• Previous management and leadership experience would be highly advantageous
• Good communication skills in English (verbal and written)
• Must be willing to be on the road and do sales as well as learn the management side

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Managing own customer base and a small sales team.
• Leading by example and contributing to a high-performance, commercially focused sales culture.
• Developing and executing commercial and sales strategies aligned with company objectives and growth targets.
• Driving profitable growth across existing customer accounts, target markets and new business opportunities.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key customers, decision-makers and strategic accounts.
• Managing the sales pipeline and ensuring a consistent flow of new opportunities.
• Taking ownership of sales volumes, revenue, pricing and gross margins in line with approved budgets.
• Managing the monthly pricing cycle/process.
• Leading commercial negotiations and pricing reviews while monitoring market trends, competitor activity, customer requirements and industry developments, and providing actionable commercial insight to management.
• Identifying opportunities for new products, applications, market segments and cross-selling.
• Developing and managing annual sales budgets and contributing to broader business planning.
• Monitoring customer volume off-take and taking corrective action where required.
• Managing customer service issues proactively, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and retention.
• Working closely with Finance/Debtors to manage credit exposure and ensure customers adhere to agreed payment terms.
• Collaborating with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure product availability, delivery performance and effective resolution of any back orders.
• Ensuring appropriate follow-up on customer requirements, quotations, samples, trials and new product introductions.
• Ensuring compliance with company policies, the Quality Management System and relevant industry requirements.
• Providing regular sales, pipeline, market and competitor reports to the Commercial Director / Managing Director.
• Calling on new customers.
• Maintaining existing customers and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.