- Know your alloys from your tool steels? We're looking for a Sales Representative experienced in the steel or engineering sales professional market. Sell the steel behind South Africa's industry. We are looking for individuals who are Technically minded, have a hunter mentality with proven results.
- All appointments are merit based and candidates, who do not meet the criteria stipulated below, will not be considered.
- All applications must be accompanied by a current updated curriculum vitae.
- No interview will be granted without the knowledge of the applicant's manager.
- Due to high volumes of CV's received, if you have not received a response within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- Grade 12 / Matric essential.
- Relevant Sales; business; marketing and / or Engineering qualification is advantageous.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant external sales experience in the special steel, engineering steel or related steel distribution industry is essential
- Proven track record of achieving sales targets and developing profitable customer accounts.
- Strong technical knowledge of special steel products, grades, specifications and applications relevant to the role.
- Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel outside of Gauteng as and when required.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and relevant ERP or CRM systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
Duties and Responsibilities
Sales and Business Development
- Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve monthly and annual sales volume, turnover and gross profit targets.
- Identify, prospect and secure new customers within the special steel, engineering, manufacturing, automotive, mining and related industrial sectors.
- Grow existing customer accounts through increased sales volumes, cross-selling and identifying new business opportunities.
- Monitor and report on competitor activity, market pricing, customer trends and industry developments.
Technical Product Knowledge
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of special steel grades, specifications, dimensions and applications.
- Understand the properties and applications of relevant engineering steels.
- Identify customer requirements relating to material grades, dimensions, tolerances, mechanical properties, certification and supply conditions.
- Liaise with technical, quality and operational teams to resolve product-related queries and ensure customer requirements are met.
Customer Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with buyers, procurement managers, engineers, production managers and key decision makers.
- Develop an understanding of customer purchasing patterns, production requirements and future demand.
- Proactively communicate pricing, stock availability, lead times and potential supply constraints.
- Resolve customer complaints and service issues professionally, working with internal departments to implement corrective action.
- Maintain customer satisfaction and identify opportunities to improve retention and long-term account growth.
Commercial and Financial Management
- Prepare and negotiate quotations and pricing proposals within approved company guidelines.
- Protect gross profit margins while remaining competitive in the market.
- Evaluate customer profitability, sales performance and opportunities for sustainable growth.
- Monitor sales volumes, gross profit performance and account development against agreed targets.
- Support credit control in managing overdue accounts whilst maintaining excellent relations with customers.
Internal Coordination and Reporting
- Work closely with internal sales, procurement, planning, warehouse and logistics teams to ensure accurate order processing and reliable deliveries.
- Monitor stock availability and proactively manage customer expectations regarding shortages and delayed deliveries.
- Maintain accurate customer records, sales forecasts, quotation follow-ups and pipeline information.
- Provide regular sales reports, market intelligence and feedback to management.