External Sales Consultant (Timber Industry)

Merand Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Merand Recruitment is assisting a Durban-based timber and retail hardware client to appoint a driven Sales Consultant to manage and grow the KZN territory.

Key duties include regular sales calls, nurturing retailer partnerships, achieving targets, coordinating with logistics and marketing, and training staff. The role demands 5–10 years external timber sales experience, strong negotiation skills, reliability, and willingness to travel extensively within the territory.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years external sales experience in timber or timber-related sales.
• Existing relationships with retail hardware merchants in the KZN region.
• Proven ability to manage and grow a sales territory independently.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Self-motivated, organized and results-driven.
• Own reliable vehicle and valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular sales calls on assigned customers and retail hardware merchants.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through face-to-face engagement.
• Achieve sales and profitability targets within the territory.
• Coordinate sales activities with logistics, marketing, and the broader sales team.
• Process orders and ensure timely follow-up.
• Monitor product ranges and identify opportunities to increase distribution, product width, and product depth.
• Develop and present promotional opportunities with retailers.
• Negotiate ranging opportunities with new and existing customers.
• Analyse sales performance and market opportunities using available data.
• Participate in trade shows and industry events as required.
• Coordinate in-store product training for staff.
• Manage and sell through overstocked or aged inventory.
• Provide feedback to management regarding sales performance, customer activity, market trends, and competitor activity.
• Ensure administration, reporting, and correspondence is completed accurately and on time.
• Travel throughout the territory, including occasional overnight travel.

Skills

External sales experience

Relationship building

Negotiation

Communication skills

Self-motivated

Own vehicle + license

MS Office proficiency

Education

Sales/Marketing degree or diploma

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Our client is looking for a driven, organized, and relationship-focused Sales Consultant to manage and grow their presence across the KZN region.

This role is ideal for a self-starter with strong sales ability, excellent communication skills, and established relationships within the timber and retail hardware sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for building long-term customer partnerships and driving sales growth across the territory. We are looking for someone with a positive, hands-on attitude who thrives in a fast-paced and evolving environment. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, proactive, adaptable, and willing to do what it takes to achieve results.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular sales calls on assigned customers and retail hardware merchants, including both existing and prospective customers
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through regular face-to-face engagement
• Achieve sales and profitability targets within the assigned territory
• Coordinate sales activities with internal departments including logistics, marketing, and the broader sales team
• Process orders and ensure timely follow-up where required
• Monitor customer product ranges and identify opportunities to increase distribution, product width, and product depth
• Develop and present promotional opportunities with retailers
• Negotiate ranging opportunities with new and existing customers
• Analyse sales performance and market opportunities using available sales data
• Participate in trade shows and industry events as required
• Coordinate and conduct in-store product training for staff
• Manage and sell through overstocked or aged inventory
• Provide regular feedback to management regarding sales performance, customer activity, market trends, and competitor activity
• Ensure all administration, reporting, and correspondence is completed accurately and on time
• Travel throughout the territory, including occasional overnight travel

Requirements

Essential

• 5-10 years external sales experience in timber or timber-related sales
• Existing relationships with retail hardware merchants in the KZN region
• Proven ability to manage and grow a sales territory independently
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Self-motivated, organized, and results-driven
• Own reliable vehicle
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel extensively within the territory
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Advantageous

• Experience with timber and construction-related materials
• Sales and/or Marketing tertiary qualification

Personal Attributes

• Positive and energetic attitude
• Strong work ethic and accountability
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Flexible and adaptable
• Team player with a collaborative approach
• Ability to perform in a dynamic and changing environment
• *ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED*