Sales Representative (Key Account Specialist)

Avery Dennison; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in materials science seeks a seasoned Sales Executive to drive sales engagement and support across various markets in Johannesburg. The candidate will leverage extensive knowledge of digital print and self-adhesive materials, maintain customer engagements, and develop sales strategies to enhance market share. This role requires a minimum of 7 years in external sales and a degree in Sales or Marketing, ensuring a strong market presence and effective customer relationships.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in external field sales within the vinyl, signage, or graphics industry.
• Proven ability in product specification and solution selling across tiers: distribution, converter, and end user.
• Grade 12 (Matric Certificate) required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct needs analyses to meet sales targets across end-users and distribution partners.
• Develop strategic sales initiatives that drive demand and business growth.
• Deliver product and brand training to enhance technical knowledge.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of digital print and self-adhesive vinyl materials

Strong business acumen and negotiation ability

Strong interpersonal and customer liaison skills

Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills

Effective time management and multitasking capabilities

Education

Degree in Sales or Marketing (or equivalent qualification)

Tools

Salesforce.com

Job description

Company Description

Avery Dennison (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and manufacturing company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labeling and functional materials. The company’s products, which are used in nearly every major industry, include pressure-sensitive materials for labels and graphic applications; tapes and other bonding solutions for industrial, medical and retail applications; tags, labels and embellishments for apparel; and radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions serving retail apparel and other markets. Headquartered in Mentor OH, the company employs over30,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Reported sales in 2021were $8.4billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

Sales & Market Engagement

• Conduct detailed needs analyses to meet or exceed sales targets across end-users, converters, and distribution partners.

• Develop and implement strategic and innovative sales initiatives that drive demand creation and long-term business growth.

• Build and maintain a robust project pipeline with accurate forecasting of prospective business opportunities.

• Pursue new sales opportunities and niche market strategies to increase regional footprint and market share.

• Perform a minimum of four customer-facing interactions per day to ensure consistent engagement and opportunity development.

• Identify and capitalise on potential growth opportunities within various industries, including but not limited to general signage, advertising, promotional architectural and automotive

• Collaborate closely with distributors on product specifications, stock strategies, and performance forecasting.

• Leverage strong relationships with architects, project managers, civil engineers, brand owners, and print service providers to specify Avery Dennison as the preferred brand for both reflective and graphics materials.

• Drive brand specification in large-scale projects such as road signage, mining, and corporate identity programs.

• Expand distributor and converter investment in the Avery Dennison/Mactac product portfolio through solution-driven engagement.

• Provide regular input into the S&OP process regarding forecast accuracy, slow-moving/obsolete inventory, and potential crisis areas.

• Support internal and distributor sales forecast planning on a monthly and quarterly basis.

Customer Service & Support

• Deliver product and brand training to distributors, converters, engineers, and end-users to enhance technical knowledge and value perception.

• Provide technical advice, material recommendations, and on-site support as needed to resolve application or performance issues.

• Conduct and support product trials in collaboration with the technical team to validate suitability and performance.

• Maintain accurate and current customer engagement records and project activities using Salesforce.com.

• Respond to and log all customer complaints within 24 hours and ensure thorough follow-through until full resolution, including feedback and corrective actions.

• Update and manage customer-specific price lists within Avery Dennison’s operating systems, ensuring pricing accuracy and alignment with commercial policies.

• Provide commercial guidance on terms, rebates, COD pricing, and discount structures within company parameters.

• Liaise with finance and customer teams to monitor account status and ensure timely payment follow-up.

• Ensure consistent alignment between customer expectations and service delivery, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust and performance.

Key Working Relationships

• Business Manager

• Technical Marketing Manager

• Business Development Specialist

• Customer Service Team

• Supply Chain Team

• Operations Team

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of digital print and self-adhesive vinyl materials, including reflective products.

• Ability to specify materials for complex signage and visual communication applications.

• Strong understanding of municipal and government tender processes.

• Proven experience with strategic planning and project execution.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong business acumen and negotiation ability.

• Advanced computer literacy (Microsoft Office, CRM platforms).

• Effective time management and multitasking capabilities.

• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.

• Accuracy, attention to detail, and high-level organisational abilities.

• Strong interpersonal and customer liaison skills.

Qualifications

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in external field sales within the vinyl, signage, or graphics industry.

• Proven ability in product specification and solution selling across all tiers: distribution, converter, and end user.

• Experience managing corporate interactions on tenders and projects.

• Comprehensive understanding of the local market and customer landscape.

Formal Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric Certificate)

• Degree in Sales or Marketing (or equivalent qualification)

Additional Information

Please note that if you have not heard from the HR Department within 30 days of this advert closing, your application has unfortunately been unsuccessful.

All internal applications should be acknowledged by your manager, accompanied by a copy of your Curriculum Vitae and certified copies of your qualifications must be send to HR department.

AVERY DENNISON IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER!