Target Markets

The role will focus on customers operating within:

• Abattoirs and meat processing facilities

• Dairy processing plants

• Sauce and condiment manufacturers

• Bakeries and snack food manufacturers

• Ice cream manufacturers

• Canning and food preservation facilities

• Breweries

• Soft drink manufacturers

• Confectionery and sweet manufacturers

• General food processing plants

Key Responsibilities

1)        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.

2)        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.

3)        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.

4)        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.

Working Conditions

• Extensive travel to customer sites and food manufacturing facilities.

• Exposure to industrial production environments requiring compliance with site safety procedures and the use of appropriate PPE.

Please note that should you not receive a response withing Two weeks of applying, you may consider your application unsuccessful.