Sales Associate / Business Development

Agile People; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Sales Executive to drive client acquisition in the fresh produce sector. This role involves managing the sales cycle, from identifying prospects to closing deals, while utilizing a leading CRM tool for tracking and reporting. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a self-motivated work ethic, and the ability to travel extensively to meet clients. Join a forward-thinking company that values collaboration and continuous development, providing an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the agricultural industry.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years in Agritech or agricultural sectors, with sales experience in SaaS preferred.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage client relationships and the sales cycle from lead generation to closing.
• Utilize HubSpot CRM for tracking sales activities and generating reports.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Self-Motivation

Team Collaboration

Attention to Detail

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics

Tools

HubSpot CRM

Job description

OBJECTIVES (main duties and responsibilities)

Client Acquisition and Relationship Management:

• Identify, engage, and develop relationships with prospective clients in the fresh produce industry.
• Conduct thorough market research to identify potential areas and clients for business expansion.
• Travel extensively to meet with prospective clients, understanding their needs and presenting tailored solutions.

Sales Process Management:

• Manage the entire sales cycle from lead generation to closing deals, ensuring a seamless and effective process.
• Develop and deliver compelling sales presentations and product demonstrations.
• Negotiate contract terms and conditions to meet both client and company requirements.

CRM Utilisation:

• Use HubSpot CRM to track and manage all sales activities, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, sales progress, and forecasts.
• Generate and analyse sales reports from HubSpot to identify trends, measure performance, and make data-driven decisions.

Customer Support and Follow-Up:

• Provide exceptional post-sale support to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
• Follow up with clients to ensure they are effectively using the SaaS platform and address any issues or concerns promptly.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with the account operational team to ensure there is a clear handover and implementation of new clients.
• Collaborate with the product development team to relay client feedback and contribute to product improvement.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with the sales manager and other team members regarding sales activities, challenges, and successes.

Market and Industry Knowledge:

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, market conditions, and competitive landscape in the fresh produce sector.
• Attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to expand industry knowledge and network.

Training and Development:

• Participate in ongoing training and development programs to enhance sales skills and product knowledge.
• Include non-client facing employees in sales meetings and client visits to increase their knowledge of the fresh produce industry.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Formal Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Agricultural Economics or a related field.
• Driver’s licence (This role will include travelling).

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Strong negotiation and closing skills.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in using CRM tools, specifically HubSpot.
• Excellent problem solving and organisational ability.
• Ability to travel extensively and manage a travel schedule effectively.
• Proven ability to be part of a team and collaborate across departments.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Proven verbal and written communications skills in English and Afrikaans.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Job Related Experience:

• 2 - 3 years’ experience in an Agritech or agricultural company, logistics provider, perishable commodity agent/retailer or commercial farming company in a planning, operational, logistics or solutions role.
• Experience in sales, preferably in a SaaS company.

Languages:

• English
• Afrikaans (Beneficial)