Sales Associate: Government

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 25 000 - 45 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Sales Associate to drive government conference sales at a prestigious convention center. This role involves strategic planning, proactive customer engagement, and collaboration with industry associations to meet sales targets. Ideal candidates will possess strong networking and presentation skills, along with a customer service orientation. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to fostering socio-economic development through innovative conferencing solutions. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about sales, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a local and international conferencing environment.
• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Marketing or a related field is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement an annual sales plan for the government market.
• Achieve sales targets through active sales activities and monthly reporting.

Skills

Sales Planning

Customer Service Orientation

Networking Skills

Presentation Skills

Market Research

Education

Matric

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing

Diploma in Marketing

Job description

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises, and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation's work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

Sales Associate: Government

About The Job

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Sales Associate: Government at the CSIR International Convention Centre within the CSIR Conferencing and Accommodation portfolio (CA). The incumbent will be responsible for securing local, national, and international government conferences to meet the CSIR ICC's sales and market targets. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research and planning

• Prepare and implement an annual sales plan for the government market.
• Research the government markets and generate viable leads for sales calls.
• Undertake research to understand and report on the competition, customer preferences, and behaviour in the market, contributing to the annual strategic planning process.

Sales Activities

• Proactively visit and meet with potential customers (sales calls).
• Coordinate and host site inspections for potential clients.
• Prepare bids, proposals, and quotations for potential customers and follow up to convert leads into sales.
• Achieve sales targets through active sales activities.
• Monthly reporting.
• Represent the CSIR ICC as the primary contact with industry associations.
• Coordinate the CSIR ICC stand and represent the centre at trade shows as outlined in the marketing strategy, alongside other Sales Executives.
• Ensure proper interdepartmental communication during and after event handover; provide onsite event support to the Event Coordinator as needed.
• Deliver CSIR ICC presentations at tradeshows, workshops, industry events, off-site at client offices, or on-site at CSIR ICC as required.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Matric with at least five years of experience in a local and international conferencing environment.
• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Marketing or a related field is advantageous.
• Experience in research, selling, and promotional activities targeting the government market.
• Driver's license and own vehicle.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel and work outside regular hours.
• High level of professionalism and confidence.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to build and live the brand.
• Customer service orientation.
• Networking and liaison skills.
• Presentation skills.

Closing date: 15 May 2025

Note: Feedback will be provided only to shortlisted candidates. For more information, email us at [e-mail]. Please do not send applications to this email; it is for inquiries only.

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer committed to the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups. By applying, you consent to the CSIR verifying your educational qualifications, employment history, and conducting credit and criminal background checks as applicable.