Sales Associate / Business Development

Agile People; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic marketing agency is seeking an experienced professional to manage client relationships and the sales cycle in the fresh produce sector. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of relevant experience, particularly in a SaaS environment, along with strong negotiation skills and proficiency in HubSpot CRM. This role involves significant travel and provides opportunities for ongoing development.

Qualifications

• 2 - 3 years’ experience in an Agritech or agricultural company, logistics provider, or related field.
• Experience in sales, ideally within a SaaS environment.
• Proven verbal and written communication skills in English and Afrikaans.

Responsibilities

• Identify, engage, and develop relationships with prospective clients in fresh produce.
• Manage the entire sales cycle from lead generation to closing deals.
• Use HubSpot CRM to track and manage all sales activities.
• Provide exceptional post-sale support to ensure customer satisfaction.

Skills

Strong negotiation and closing skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Proficient in using CRM tools, specifically HubSpot

Ability to travel extensively

Excellent problem solving and organisational ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Agricultural Economics or related field

Tools

HubSpot

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 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 the 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)