External Sales Consultant at Sandi Crowther Recruitment

• An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced External Sales Consultant to join a reputable business serving the construction and building materials market. The successful candidate will take ownership of the KZN territory, with a strong focus on developing new business, growing existing accounts, and strengthening relationships with retail hardware merchants. Candidates with proven timber sales experience, an established KZN customer network, and a proactive, results-driven approach will be well suited to this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of existing customers while actively identifying and pursuing new business opportunities
• Conduct regular customer visits and sales calls across the KZN territory
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with retail hardware merchants and other customers
• Drive sales growth and achieve agreed turnover and profitability targets
• Identify opportunities to expand product ranges and increase sales across existing accounts
• Introduce and negotiate new product ranging opportunities with customers
• Develop promotional initiatives with retailers to support sales and product movement
• Work closely with internal teams, including logistics, marketing, and sales, to ensure a seamless customer experience
• Process customer orders and follow up on outstanding requirements to ensure efficient service delivery
• Review sales information and market trends to identify potential growth opportunities
• Monitor competitor activity and provide relevant market feedback to management
• Assist customers with product knowledge and coordinate in-store training for retail staff where required
• Support the effective sell-through of surplus, slow-moving, or aged stock
• Represent the company at relevant trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events
• Maintain accurate sales records, reports, correspondence, and other required administration
• Provide regular updates to management regarding territory performance, customer developments, and business opportunities
• Travel extensively throughout KZN, with occasional overnight stays required

Requirements:

• 5–10 years’ proven external sales experience, preferably within the timber or related industry
• Established relationships with retail hardware merchants across KZN
• Demonstrated track record of managing and developing a sales territory
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong customer relationship management and business development abilities
• Highly motivated, organised, and target-driven
• Entrepreneurial and commercially minded
• Strong sense of accountability and a proactive approach to achieving results
• Positive, energetic, and adaptable personality
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Own reliable vehicle + valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel extensively throughout the territory
• Previous experience selling timber, building materials, or related construction products is ideal
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Sales, Marketing, or a related field is advantageous