Sales Executive

Orchem; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading distributor of specialty chemicals is looking for a Sales Executive in Cape Town to drive sales growth for personal care and home care formulation ingredients. The ideal candidate has a degree in a relevant field and 2-4 years of experience in technical sales. Strong communication skills, discipline in project management, and existing relationships in the local industry will be advantageous. This field-based position offers flexible working conditions and commission pay.

Benefits

Commission pay

Opportunities for growth

Flexible and supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in HPC ingredients, formulation, or technical sales.
• Strong discipline in follow-up and project management.
• Existing relationships with local HPC manufacturers will be considered a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business with personal care manufacturers.
• Promote and sell formulation ingredients across personal care and home care applications.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations and customer trainings.

Skills

Ingredient sales experience

Technical sales

Project management

Excellent communication

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Sales Executive in Home and Personal Care

Job Ref : JB – Cape Town, South Africa

ORCHEM, a part of REDA Chemicals Group

Are you looking for a new challenge?

About the Company

ORCHEM is a leading distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients in South Africa.

As a member of the REDA Chemicals Group, one of the leading chemical distributors in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, we bring unique expertise to the industry. With a strong network and growing presence in South Africa, ORCHEM is the partner‑of‑choice for world‑leading chemical manufacturers entering the South African market.

Our focus on specialty chemicals and commitment to excellence make us a trusted name in the industry.

About the Job

We are looking for highly motivated go‑getters to join our team for the role of Sales Executive in Home and Personal Care. Reporting to the Business Unit Manager, you will be responsible for driving sales growth by promoting a specialized portfolio of formulation ingredients used in personal care (skin, hair, body, cosmetics) and home care (fabric care, dish care, hard‑surface cleaning, hygiene).

Key product categories include surfactants, emulsifiers, emollients, conditioning agents, rheology modifiers, active ingredients, fragrances, builders, chelating agents, disinfectants, enzymes, and encapsulation systems.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business with personal care manufacturers, home & hygiene producers, and contract manufacturers through site visits, networking, and proactive outreach.
• Promote and sell formulation ingredients based on performance, cost‑in‑use, and product positioning requirements across personal care and home care applications.
• Work directly with formulation labs to support sample evaluations, stability testing, and prototype development cycles.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with R&D, QC, procurement, and production teams to secure repeat business and foster long‑term account growth.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, customer trainings, and commercial proposals tailored to specific projects and applications.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, ensure visibility of the sales pipeline, and provide reliable sales forecasts and progress reports.
• Coordinate with internal supply chain and operations teams to ensure smooth order processing, timely delivery, and strong customer support.

Requirements

• Degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong ingredient sales or formulation lab experience may substitute for formal education.
• Minimum 2‑4 years of experience in HPC ingredients, formulation, or technical sales.
• Practical understanding of raw material functionality within personal care and home care formulations.
• Existing relationships with local HPC manufacturers will be considered a strong advantage.
• Excellent communication skills, with strong discipline in follow‑up and project management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel regionally as required.

Working Conditions

Field‑based role with regular customer visits across the Western Cape and occasional support within the SADC region. Flexible working hours aligned to customer requirements and project schedules. Office or home‑based work for planning, CRM updates, calls, reporting, and technical coordination.

Additional Benefits

Commission pay. Opportunities for growth. Flexible and supportive work environment.

Only interested candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to submit their applications.