Key Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

• Achieve and exceed monthly sales targets.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities within the food manufacturing sector.
• Develop and implement territory growth plans.
• Prepare and present technical proposals, quotations, product presentations, and business reviews.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial agreements within company guidelines.
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and provide accurate sales forecasts.

Technical Product Knowledge & Advisory Services

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all cleaning and hygiene products, applications, and technical specifications.
• Remain fully conversant with best practices, food safety requirements, and emerging industry developments.
• Conduct site surveys, hygiene audits, and process evaluations to identify customer needs and opportunities.
• Assess customer cleaning procedures and recommend suitable detergent, disinfectant, and sanitation programmes.
• Provide expert advice on:
  • CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems
  • Open plant cleaning systems
  • Foam cleaning applications
  • Disinfection and hygiene protocols
  • Food safety and contamination control
  • Chemical dosing and application systems
• Conduct product trials, performance evaluations, and implementation support.
• Provide customer training on product application, handling, and safety requirements.

Customer Relationship Management

• Adhere strictly to established call cycles to maximise customer coverage, maintain strong client relationships, and ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality service and support.
• Build, develop, and maintain strong relationships with production managers, quality managers, hygiene managers, procurement personnel, and plant management.
• Respond promptly and professionally to customer enquiries, complaints, and technical issues.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through proactive account management.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing customer accounts through additional products and services.
• Accurately record customer visits, technical findings, opportunities, and actions within the CRM system.
• Ensure all customer records are complete, accurate, and maintained on the CRM system and in accordance with company standards.
• Submit weekly call reports on the CRM within required deadlines.

Market Intelligence & Product Development

• Monitor competitor activity, pricing strategies, and market developments.
• Identify emerging customer needs and market opportunities.
• Provide regular feedback to management regarding customer requirements and industry trends.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for product improvement and innovation based on customer feedback.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 plus relevant Degree/Diploma (NQF Level 6). E.g. N Dip Food Technology, BCom, BSc Food Science, BSc Biotechnology, BSc Microbiology
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in technical sales within the food industry, industrial hygiene, food chemical, water treatment, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food industry cleaning and hygiene processes.
• Strong understanding of CIP systems and open plant cleaning applications.
• Practical experience with detergent and disinfectant applications in food processing environments.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain customer relationships.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel extensively.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• HACCP, GMP, or Food Safety Management Systems knowledge.
• Experience conducting hygiene audits and sanitation assessments.

Please consider your application unsuccessful should you nor receive a response within 2 weeks of applying.