Target Markets
The role will focus on customers operating within:
Abattoirs and meat processing facilities
Dairy processing plants
Sauce and condiment manufacturers
Bakeries and snack food manufacturers
Ice cream manufacturers
Canning and food preservation facilities
Breweries
Soft drink manufacturers
Confectionery and sweet manufacturers
General food processing plants
Key Responsibilities
1) Sales & Business Development
Achieve and exceed monthly sales targets.
Identify and secure new business opportunities within the food manufacturing sector.
Develop and implement territory growth plans.
Prepare and present technical proposals, quotations, product presentations, and business reviews.
Negotiate pricing and commercial agreements within company guidelines.
Maintain an active sales pipeline and provide accurate sales forecasts.
2) Technical Product Knowledge & Advisory Services
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all cleaning and hygiene products, applications, and technical specifications.
Remain fully conversant with best practices, food safety requirements, and emerging industry developments.
Conduct site surveys, hygiene audits, and process evaluations to identify customer needs and opportunities.
Assess customer cleaning procedures and recommend suitable detergent, disinfectant, and sanitation programmes.
Provide expert advice on:
CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems
Open plant cleaning systems
Foam cleaning applications
Disinfection and hygiene protocols
Food safety and contamination control
Chemical dosing and application systems
Conduct product trials, performance evaluations, and implementation support.
Provide customer training on product application, handling, and safety requirements.
3) Customer Relationship Management
Adhere strictly to established call cycles to maximise customer coverage, maintain strong client relationships, and ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality service and support.
Build, develop, and maintain strong relationships with production managers, quality managers, hygiene managers, procurement personnel, and plant management.
Respond promptly and professionally to customer enquiries, complaints, and technical issues.
Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through proactive account management.
Identify opportunities to expand existing customer accounts through additional products and services.
Accurately record customer visits, technical findings, opportunities, and actions within the CRM system.
Ensure all customer records are complete, accurate, and maintained on the CRM system and in accordance with company standards.
Submit weekly call reports on the CRM within required deadlines.
4) Market Intelligence & Product Development
Monitor competitor activity, pricing strategies, and market developments.
Identify emerging customer needs and market opportunities.
Provide regular feedback to management regarding customer requirements and industry trends.
Assist in identifying opportunities for product improvement and innovation based on customer feedback.
Qualifications and Experience
· Grade 12 plus relevant Degree/Diploma (NQF Level 6). E.g. N Dip Food Technology, BCom, BSc Food Science, BSc Biotechnology, BSc Microbiology
Minimum 3–5 years' experience in technical sales within the food industry, industrial hygiene, food chemical, water treatment, or related sectors.
Demonstrated knowledge of food industry cleaning and hygiene processes.
Strong understanding of CIP systems and open plant cleaning applications.
Practical experience with detergent and disinfectant applications in food processing environments.
Proven ability to develop and maintain customer relationships.
Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel extensively.
Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.
HACCP, GMP, or Food Safety Management Systems knowledge.
Experience conducting hygiene audits and sanitation assessments.
Working Conditions
Please note that should you not receive a response withing Two weeks of applying, you may consider your application unsuccessful.
