External Account Manager

Brenntag; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical distribution company in South Africa is seeking an External Account Manager to build and maintain strong client relationships. You will manage key accounts in the Water Business Unit, exceed sales targets, and identify new business opportunities. The ideal candidate has 5-8 years of experience in sales, preferably in the chemical or water treatment sectors, with excellent negotiation and organizational skills. This role offers a competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive and fair salary

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years' experience in Sales and Marketing, managing complex customer relationships.
• Proven track record in sales and account management in the chemical or water treatment sector.
• Experience with customer profiling, forecasting, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of category 'A & B' customers.
• Achieve and exceed sales GP targets.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities.
• Submit weekly call reports and accurate administration.

Skills

Strong sales and negotiation skills

Excellent relationship-building and customer service abilities

Ability to identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities

Strong planning, organisational, and time-management skills

Effective communication and presentation abilities

Proficient in MS Office and CRM systems

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Education

Matric

Tertiary qualification in Engineering or Science

Tools

MS Office

CRM systems

SAP knowledge

Job description

Your Role As an External Account Manager in the Water Business Unit, you will be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with clients while acting as the lead point of contact for your assigned portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of category 'A & B' customers.
• Maintain and grow existing business accounts.
• Broaden product range penetration at existing clients.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities.
• Achieve and exceed sales GP targets.
• Increase margins and profitability.
• Conduct customer profiling and maintain accurate records.
• Perform frequent follow-up visits and calls to clients (minimum 20 visits per week).
• Stay updated on product knowledge and sales trends by attending training and seminars.
• Submit weekly call reports and ensure accurate administration.
• Gather data for accurate forecasting and provide weekly updates to Product Managers.
• Ensure conditions of sale are always current and up to date.
• Prepare thoroughly for all customer visits and submit weekly schedules on time.
• Assist in selling short-dated stock where applicable.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices in your area of responsibility.
• Adhere to Brenntag's Rules of Procedure (ROP), Standard Operating Procedures, and company policies at all times.

Your Profile

You are a self-motivated, results-driven professional with strong business acumen, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build long-term client relationships. You thrive in a dynamic sales environment, are confident in identifying opportunities, and are committed to meeting and exceeding targets.

Skills

• Strong sales and negotiation skills.
• Excellent relationship-building and customer service abilities.
• Ability to identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities.
• Strong planning, organisational, and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and presentation abilities.
• Proficient in MS Office and CRM systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Experience

5 to 8 years' experience in a Sales and Marketing function that includes managing complex and/or significant customer relationships and key accounts (Water / Chemical industry preferred). Proven track record in sales and account management, preferably within the chemical or water treatment sector. Familiarity with chemical distribution and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Hazchem, National Road Traffic Act compliance) would be an asset. Demonstrated ability to manage key accounts and deliver on sales targets. Experience in customer profiling, forecasting, and reporting. Exposure to margin improvement and profitability strategies. Experience with CRM and MS Office. SAP knowledge advantageous. Valid driver's licence and own vehicle. Education: Matric. Tertiary qualification in Engineering (Process or chemical Engineering) or Science (Environmental, Chemical, Microbiological) or Water Technology / Science. Additional technical or industry-related training (chemicals / water treatment) will be an asset.

Our Offer

• Competitive and fair salary.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Professional development opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Brenntag provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees of all backgrounds and identities to create a workplace where difference is valued because it forms a resilient and more innovative organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion or belief, parental and family status, or any other protected characteristic.

We welcome applications from women, men and non-binary candidates of all ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds.