Ladismith Cheese Sales Representative (Inland)

Sea Harvest; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food services company is seeking a Sales Representative to drive the sales of cheese and butter products in Gauteng and bordering provinces. The ideal candidate has a strong background in B2B sales, excellent communication skills, and at least 3 years of experience in the food services sales environment. Responsibilities include developing customer relationships, achieving sales targets, and providing exceptional service. This is a full-time position with travel required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of proven experience in the food services sales environment.
• Must have strong cold calling and networking experience.
• Availability to travel as and when required.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales of cheese and butter products within various industries.
• Manage the current customer base and drive profitable sales growth.
• Develop sales strategies for new customers to achieve sales goals.
• Negotiate deals with customers and manage relationships.
• Provide feedback on sales progress and market conditions.

Skills

Sales Experience

B2B Sales

Time Management

Customer Service

Cold Calling

Retail Sales

Territory Management

Upselling

Product Demos

Outside Sales

Negotiation

Education

Grade 12

Tertiary qualification in Sales/Marketing

Tools

MS Office packages

ERP software Syspro

Job description

CORE DESCRIPTION

Responsible for driving the sales of cheese and butter products within the food services, wholesale, independent retail, and manufacturing industries.

Managing the company's current customer base and driving profitable sales growth through new customer acquisition and upselling to current customers.

Effective communication with clients and providing excellent client service, building long‑term relationships are crucial.

The geographical area of responsibility will be Gauteng primarily, with some time spent in bordering provinces.

It will be expected from the incumbent to work in conjunction with the Depot Manager, and the direct line of reporting will be into the National Sales Manager Foodservices.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop effective sales and channel strategies for current and new customers to achieve sales volume and profitability goals.
• Increase sales by targeting new customers within and outside of the JHB / Pretoria metropolitan areas.
• Research and analyze sales and business opportunities.
• Grow current customer basket by selling across the range of products offered.
• Handling of samples for current and new clients.
• Reach or exceed monthly sales targets.
• Weekly feedback / reporting on sales progress and issues, looking for new opportunities, and keeping tabs on market conditions and competitor activities.
• Maintain a regular cycle with regards to calling on allocated customer base.
• Negotiate prices / deals with customers.
• Managing the relationships with agents / distributors.
• Managing the order and delivery process by ensuring orders are placed on time and within the company's delivery schedule, and following up on distribution-related issues.
• Assist with customer complaints, handling quality issues and returns.
• Work closely with the company accounts department regarding current and new clients.
• Coordinate regular in‑store tastings with independent retailers and wholesalers and encourage them to place advertisements to support sales growth and increase brand visibility.
• Work closely with all Bidfood branches to drive sales growth and onboard new branches not currently partnered with us.
• Organize RHA Days, provide product knowledge training, secure placement in broadsheets, and participate in relevant food shows to enhance brand presence and engagement.
• Work closely with the marketing team to share updates on food shows, in‑store tastings, charity events, and other engaging activities that can be promoted across our social media channels.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for growth and product positioning.
• Stay informed about upcoming food shows and attend those relevant to our product offerings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12.
• Tertiary qualification in Sales / Marketing is an advantage.
• Minimum 3 years of proven experience in the food services sales environment.
• Computer literate (MS Office packages).
• Experience with ERP software Syspro is beneficial.
• Must have strong cold calling and networking experience.

COMPETENCIES

• Availability to travel as and when required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly self‑motivated with strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• Driven and ambitious.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE : KEY SKILLS

• Sales Experience.
• B2B Sales.
• Time Management.
• Customer Service.
• Cold Calling.
• Retail Sales.
• Territory Management.
• Upselling.
• Product Demos.
• Outside Sales.
• Medicare.
• Negotiation.

Employment Type: Full‑Time
Department / Functional Area: Sales
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1