Sales Executive

Farm Manager SA; Worcester; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics and freight forwarding company seeks a seasoned Sales Executive to drive client acquisition and retention. The role requires a diploma or degree in Sales, Logistics, Marketing, or Supply Chain and a minimum of 10 years of experience in international freight forwarding. The successful candidate will excel in client relationships, negotiate contracts, and monitor market trends. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to strategic growth within the company and ensure client satisfaction through effective account management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in international freight forwarding and clearing sales, with proven track record of client acquisition and retention.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities in line with strategic growth plans.
• Maintain strong ongoing relationships with existing clients.
• Achieve agreed sales revenue and profit targets.
• Monitor competitor activity, market trends, and pricing shifts.

Skills

Client Orientation

Commercial Acumen

Negotiation Skills

Industry Knowledge

Communication

Accountability

Integrity & Confidentiality

Resilience & Drive

Education

Diploma or Degree (NQF Level 6+) in Sales, Logistics, Marketing, or Supply Chain

Job description

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Diploma or Degree (NQF Level 6+) in Sales, Logistics, Marketing, or Supply Chain

• Minimum 10 years experience in international freight forwarding and clearing sales, with proven track record of client acquisition and retention

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Client Orientation Builds and maintains strong client relationships; anticipates and responds to client needs.
• Commercial Acumen Understands cost structures, Import/Export Process and costing associated with it, profit margins, and pricing strategy within freight forwarding.
• Negotiation Skills Strong ability to negotiate terms and close deals profitably.
• Industry Knowledge Deep understanding of international freight, customs, and cross-border logistics.
• Communication Clear, persuasive, and professional communication across all business levels.
• Accountability Takes ownership for achieving personal and company sales goals.
• Integrity & Confidentiality Upholds ethical standards and respects confidentiality in all dealings.
• Resilience & Drive Self-motivated with the persistence to pursue opportunities and overcome challenges.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Business Development & Client Acquisition
  • Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities in line with UFFCs strategic growth plan, including new sales, between 8 to 10 New Sales Visits per week
  • Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients through market intelligence and networking.
  • Present tailored logistics solutions that align with client requirements and company capabilities.
  • Negotiate and close contracts within company pricing and margin guidelines.
  • Meet and exceed agreed sales targets and profitability metrics.
• Account Management & Client Retention
  • Maintain strong, ongoing relationships with existing clients, ensuring continued satisfaction and retention.
  • Conduct regular client visits, performance reviews, and business reviews to identify upselling or cross-selling opportunities.
  • Act as the main commercial contact between clients and UFFCs operational teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
  • Resolve customer complaints or challenges promptly, maintaining UFFCs reputation for professional service.
• Commercial & Financial Management
  • Achieve agreed sales revenue and profit targets in line with UFFCs commercial objectives.
  • Build and maintain a sustainable client base through long-term, profitable
  • Ensure all client proposals and quotations are commercially viable, accurate, and approved in line with UFFCs pricing and margin structures.
  • Manage client accounts in collaboration with Finance to ensure timely invoicing and payment collection.
  • Actively support the Finance Department in resolving client payment delays, disputes, or credit-related issues to maintain positive cash flow and minimise debtor days.
  • Maintain an accurate record of client volumes, profitability, and growth trends for reporting purposes.
  • Capture and maintain all sales opportunities, pipeline data, and client financial information accurately in the companys CRM system, ensuring management has reliable data for financial planning and forecasting.
  • Participate in quarterly business reviews to assess client performance and profitability.
• Market Intelligence & Strategy
  • Monitor competitor activity, market trends, and pricing shifts to identify growth opportunities.
  • Provide feedback to management on emerging markets, potential clients, and strategic partnerships.
  • Contribute to the formulation of sales strategies and marketing initiatives.
• Collaboration & Internal Alignment
  • Work closely with operations, finance, and management to ensure smooth handover of new clients and accurate billing.
  • Communicate client requirements clearly to internal stakeholders, ensuring expectations are met.
  • Participate in weekly and monthly sales review meetings and submit regular activity reports.
• Compliance & Governance
  • Adhere to company policies, pricing authority limits, and approval processes.
  • Ensure client contracts are properly documented and authorised.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all clients and company information in accordance with UFFCs NDA and POPIA compliance

Note: ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted