Job Description

Company Description

Founded in 1853, Lesaffre is an independent, family-owned group based in France and a leading global provider of baker's yeast and yeast extract products. It employs over 11,000 people on five continents and markets bakery, taste improvement, health and nutrition, fermentation and brewery products and services.


Lesaffre South Africa previously known as Aries Baking Supplies and Bakelab are entities recently acquired by Lesaffre. Reporting to the Sales Manager, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with customers, promoting Lesaffre's product range, and achieving sales targets within your assigned territory, thereby contributing to the growth and success of Lesaffre South Africa.

Missions



The Sales Representative is responsible for promoting and selling Lesaffre South Africa's products to existing and potential customers, building and maintaining strong customer relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring customer satisfaction to drive revenue growth and market share.


This role requires a strong understanding of sales techniques, customer relationship management, and the ability to effectively communicate the value proposition of Lesaffre's products.



Main responsibilities



Customer Relationship Management:

Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing customers through regular visits, calls, and follow-ups Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the assigned territory Understand customer needs and provide appropriate product solutions Address customer concerns and resolve issues promptly to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction Collect market intelligence and customer feedback to inform product development and marketing strategies


Sales and Business Development:

Achieve and exceed sales targets and key performance indicators Develop and implement territory sales plans to maximize market penetration Conduct product demonstrations and presentations to showcase Lesaffre's offerings Negotiate sales terms and close deals effectively Monitor competitor activities and market trends to identify opportunities and threats


Product Knowledge and Technical Support:

Maintain comprehensive knowledge of Lesaffre's product range, applications, and benefits Provide technical advice and support to customers on product usage and applications Collaborate with the technical team to address customer-specific requirements Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the assigned territory Experience with sales reporting tools

Qualifications

Education and Experience

+ Relevant qualification in Sales, Marketing, Business, or a related field + Minimum 2 years of experience in sales, preferably in the food or baking industry
+ Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the assigned territory
+ Experience with CRM systems and sales reporting tools



Technical Skills

Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Basic financial acumen to understand pricing structures and profit margins Time management and organizational skills Presentation and negotiation skills


Personal Attributes

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Strong customer service orientation Results-driven with the ability to work independently Resilient and persistent in pursuing sales opportunities Problem-solving and decision-making abilities Adaptable to changing market conditions and customer requirements High level of integrity and professional ethics Team player with the ability to collaborate effectively Self-motivated with a positive attitude Ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels

Additional Information

Line Management

* Reporting directly to the Sales Manager