EXTERNAL SALES EXECUTIVE - DURBAN

ALPHA SHIPPING AGENCY (PTY) LTD; Durban; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpha Shipping Agency (Pty) Ltd is seeking an External Sales Executive to generate new commercial business, grow existing client relationships and drive freight and logistics solutions from Durban. The role focuses on prospecting, cold calling, face-to-face visits and closing new accounts.

You will develop territory sales strategies, prepare quotations with Incoterms, and negotiate rates with principals and carriers, while maintaining a robust sales pipeline.

Qualifications

• Background in Business, Marketing, Sales or Logistics preferred.
• Minimum 3 years' external sales or business development experience.
• Experience in cold calling and developing new business.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify new business opportunities through prospecting, networking, cold calling and field sales.
• Develop new commercial business and manage prospects through the complete sales cycle.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients while growing accounts.
• Prepare quotations and estimations with Incoterms.
• Negotiate rates with principals, carriers and service providers.
• Develop freight and logistics solutions for customers.
• Prepare proposals, presentations and contracts.
• Maintain a sales pipeline and accurate activity records.
• Meet or exceed sales targets.
• Support the Sales Director as required.

Skills

New business development

Prospecting

Cold calling

Negotiation

Account management

CRM software

Incoterms

Presentation skills

Closing deals

English communication

Education

Business/Logistics degree

Marketing or related field degree

Tools

CRM software

MS Office

Job description

Join an established global freight forwarder, NVOCC and ships agent

Get to know us ...

Alpha Shipping Agency (Pty) Ltd, established in 2004, is an experienced South African global freight forwarder, NVOCC and ships agent, providing comprehensive international freight, logistics and maritime agency solutions through our global network of partners and principals.

We uphold strong ethical standards and are committed to delivering personalised, reliable service that earns the continued trust and support of our clients.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To generate new commercial business, grow existing customer relationships and carry out sales activities in line with the Sales Director’s strategy. The role is responsible for developing a strong sales pipeline, delivering suitable freight and logistics solutions, ensuring customer satisfaction and consistently achieving agreed sales targets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and qualify new business opportunities through prospecting, networking, cold calling and field sales.
• Develop new commercial business and manage prospects through the complete sales cycle.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients while identifying opportunities to grow accounts.
• Prepare quotations and estimations, with the appropriate application of Incoterms.
• Negotiate rates and pricing with Principals, Main Line Operators, airlines, transporters and other service providers.
• Develop and present appropriate freight and logistics solutions to prospective and existing customers.
• Prepare professional sales proposals, presentations and contracts.
• Maintain an active sales pipeline, accurate customer database and complete sales activity records.
• Develop and execute territory sales strategies, sales action plans and direct marketing activities.
• Follow up on quotations, proposals and sales opportunities to secure new business.
• Respond promptly to customer enquiries and resolve service-related concerns.
• Monitor competitor activity, market conditions and industry developments.
• Provide regular sales reports and activity updates to management.
• Participate in sales events and support the Sales Director when required.
• Meet or exceed agreed sales and territory-development targets.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A relevant qualification in Business, Marketing, Sales, Logistics or a related field would be advantageous.
• A minimum of 3 years’ proven external sales or business-development experience, preferably within freight forwarding, shipping, logistics or a related industry.
• Demonstrated success in cold calling, prospecting and developing new business.
• Good working knowledge of Incoterms and freight or logistics pricing and estimations.
• Experience in developing and executing territory sales strategies.
• Strong presentation, negotiation and closing skills.
• Proven ability to achieve or exceed sales targets.
• Good computer literacy and familiarity with digital sales platforms or CRM systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• An Understanding of Shipping qualification through the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers would be advantageous.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• New-business development and prospecting
• Commercial awareness and customer relationship management
• Strong negotiation, presentation and closing ability
• Planning, strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Persuasiveness, resilience and tenacity
• Self-motivated, goal driven and able to work independently
• Excellent communication and customer-service orientation

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a results-driven External Sales Executive with a strong focus on acquiring new commercial business. The successful candidate will actively prospect for new customers, conduct cold calls and face-to-face sales visits, develop new accounts and grow existing client relationships. The individual should be commercially astute, confident in negotiating freight and logistics solutions, and capable of taking an opportunity from initial prospecting through quotation, negotiation and successful closing.

READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

Please submit your application to [e-mail]