External Sales Representative – Laboratory & Scientific Chemicals Gauteng

Minimum Requirements Education

A relevant scientific qualification would be highly advantageous, preferably a National Diploma or Degree in one of the following:

• Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Laboratory Science
• Biotechnology
• Related Scientific Field

Candidates should have:

• 3–5 years' external sales experience
• Minimum 2 years' experience selling laboratory chemicals, scientific products or industrial chemicals
• Experience dealing with pharmaceutical and/or manufacturing quality control laboratories
• Previous experience selling into mining laboratories would be highly advantageous
• Proven track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets
• Experience developing new business as well as managing existing customer accounts
• Ability to conduct technical discussions with laboratory personnel and understand customer applications and requirements

The successful candidate should have knowledge and/or practical understanding of:

• AR Grade Chemicals
• Laboratory reagents
• ICP applications
• AAS applications
• XRF laboratory applications
• Wet chemistry laboratories
• Sample preparation chemicals
• Laboratory quality systems
• ISO 17025 laboratory environments
• Laboratory safety requirements

The External Sales Representative will be responsible for:

• Developing and managing a portfolio of laboratory and scientific customers
• Identifying and prospecting for new business opportunities
• Growing the company's customer base within pharmaceutical, manufacturing, mining and laboratory sectors
• Conducting regular customer visits and technical sales presentations
• Building strong relationships with laboratory managers, chemists, quality personnel, procurement departments and other decision-makers
• Understanding customer laboratory applications and identifying suitable products and solutions
• Preparing and following up on quotations
• Negotiating pricing and commercial terms within approved parameters
• Converting quotations and opportunities into confirmed orders
• Managing existing customer accounts and identifying opportunities for increased sales
• Developing the mining laboratory customer base
• Maintaining an active sales pipeline
• Managing the assigned sales territory effectively
• Monitoring customer requirements, competitor activity and market developments
• Achieving monthly sales revenue and gross profit targets
• Providing accurate sales forecasts and activity reports
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date customer information on the CRM system
• Ensuring all customer visits, opportunities, quotations and follow-ups are recorded
• Working closely with internal sales, technical, operations and management teams to ensure excellent customer service

Candidates should be comfortable working with:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Microsoft Excel
• CRM systems –
  Zoho experience would be advantageous
• Sales reporting and forecasting
• ERP systems would be advantageous

The successful candidate should demonstrate strong ability in:

• Prospecting and lead generation
• New business development
• Consultative and technical selling
• Negotiation
• Closing sales
• Account management
• Territory management
• Customer relationship building
• Sales pipeline management
• Quotation follow-up and conversion

The ideal candidate will be:

• Self-motivated and results-driven
• Target orientated
• Technically minded
• Professional in presentation and communication
• Confident dealing with technical and commercial customers
• Highly organised
• Able to manage a territory independently
• Proactive in developing new business
• A strong relationship builder
• A practical problem solver
• Reliable and accountable
• A person with a high level of integrity

This position requires regular travel to customer sites throughout South Africa
.

Candidates must:

• Hold a valid South African driver's licence
• Have their own reliable vehicle, if required by the employer
• Be willing and able to travel regularly
• Be comfortable spending significant time visiting customer sites, including mines, pharmaceutical laboratories, manufacturing facilities and quality control laboratories

Performance will be measured against:

• Monthly sales revenue targets
• Gross profit…