Job description
Driving commercial growth within the competitive food manufacturing sector, this position is pivotal for expanding the footprint of a premium bakery and food ingredients distributor across key regional networks. It suits a mature, self-disciplined professional who balances cold-hunt business development with strategic account management.
Operating on a full-time, hybrid basis with standard business hours (Winter: 07:00 – 16:30; Summer: 07:00 – 17:00, Monday to Friday), the successful candidate will independently manage a large territory to secure long-term partnerships with industrial bakeries, manufacturers, and distributors.
Key Responsibilities
New Business Acquisition: Proactively hunt, identify, and secure high-value commercial accounts across food manufacturing, industrial bakeries, and distribution sectors to expand regional market share aggressively. Strategic Account Management: Nurture and retain established client portfolios, embedding value-add solutions to drive consistent upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
Territory Strategy & Execution: Formulate and execute localized sales plans tailored to regional market nuances, ensuring monthly and quarterly revenue targets are consistently achieved. Market Intelligence & Analysis: Monitor FMCG industry trends, competitor movements, and shifting client demands to inform pricing strategy and maintain a strong competitive edge.
Commercial Presentations: Draft and deliver highly professional sales proposals, presentations, and product demonstrations that clearly articulate the technical value of the product range. Performance Reporting: Maintain precise CRM data, manage pipeline visibility, and deliver accurate sales forecasting and KPI reports to leadership.
Brand Representation: Attend key trade exhibitions, industry forums, and corporate networking events to generate high-quality leads and enhance brand presence in the field.
Requirements
Minimum of 5 years of proven field sales experience, specifically within the FMCG, food manufacturing, or food ingredients sectors. Track Record: A demonstrable history of meeting or exceeding commercial sales targets and successfully onboarding new corporate accounts. Mobility: Must possess a valid South African driver’s licence and a reliable personal vehicle suitable for extensive regional travel.
Soft Skills: Exceptional negotiation, corporate communication, and interpersonal skills backed by a professional, mature presence. Autonomy: High levels of self-discipline and the proven capability to work autonomously under a hybrid/remote territory management model.
Benefits
Hybrid (Split between active field-based client engagements across the territory and administrative desk work). Location: Durban (Kwa. Zulu-Natal territory based) Financial Incentives: Attractive uncapped commission structure featuring 6% on new business (first 12 months) and 3% on existing account maintenance. Earnings Security: Guaranteed commission structure for the first three months of employment (subject to review), alongside performance-based incentive bonuses.
Travel Support: Competitive monthly car allowance and a company petrol card dedicated to business mileage. Vehicle Maintenance: Post-probationary maintenance allowance calculated at R0.47 per km. Tools of Trade: Provision of a company laptop and mobile phone (inclusive of data and voice minutes allocations). Professional Development: Direct opportunities for career growth and organizational advancement within an expanding industry leader.