Sales Executive

ORCHEM; Wes-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical distributor in South Africa is looking for a Sales Executive to drive sales growth in the Home and Personal Care sector. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Chemistry and 2-4 years of experience in technical sales or formulation. Responsibilities include developing relationships with manufacturers, conducting customer visits, and collaborating with internal teams to support product innovations. This role offers a flexible working environment with commission pay and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Commission pay

Opportunities for growth

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• 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 are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business with personal care manufacturers and hygiene producers.
• Promote and sell formulation ingredients based on product positioning requirements.
• Work directly with formulation labs for sample evaluations and prototype development.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Discipline in follow-up

Project management

Ingredient formulation knowledge

Education

Degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Sales Executive in Home and Personal Care

Job Ref: JB823 – 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.

We at ORCHEM are looking for highly motivated go‑getters to join our team for the following role:

Title: Sales Executive

Industry: Home and Personal Care

Function: Sales and Business Development

Reporting to: Business Unit Manager

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

About the Job

As a Sales Executive in Home and Personal Care, 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.

You will work closely with R&D, QC, procurement, and production teams to understand formulation needs, support sample evaluations and prototype development, and introduce performance‑driven ingredient solutions. The role involves regular customer visits, identifying new business opportunities, delivering technical presentations, and managing a clear sales pipeline. Collaboration with internal supply chain teams will be essential to ensure smooth order processing and strong customer service.

This is a target‑driven role suited for a proactive, technically minded sales professional with a passion for product innovation and customer relationship development.

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.