External Sales Representative (Spares Shops) (JB6291) at Kontak Recruitment

• An established supplier and distributor of premium oils, lubricants, greases and related products requires an experienced External Sales Representative to grow its retail customer base across Gauteng. Representing leading product ranges, including Shell and Valvoline, the successful candidate will sell directly to large and independent spares shops, manage an allocated customer base and secure new business through structured, face-to-face customer visits. This is a field-based position suited to a driven sales professional who understands automotive lubricant applications and enjoys being on the road.

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Code 8 driver’s licence and own reliable vehicle
• Willing and able to travel throughout the allocated Gauteng territory daily
• Able to attend sales meetings at the Vereeniging office approximately every two weeks
• At least two years’ external sales experience
• Direct experience selling to spares shops is essential
• Experience selling automotive oils, lubricants, vehicle parts or closely related products to spares shops
• Sound knowledge of automotive lubricants, greases and their applications
• Established understanding of the vehicle and transport aftermarket
• Proven ability to develop new business while managing and growing existing accounts
• Strong hunter-sales mentality with effective account-management skills
• Self-motivated and able to work independently without micromanagement
• Strong selling, negotiation, presentation and relationship-management skills
• Good planning, route-management and organisational abilities
• Computer literate and comfortable using a company-provided cellphone and tablet for reporting and administration
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Commercially aware, analytical and attentive to detail
• Career stability and a genuine interest in long-term employment

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and grow an allocated portfolio of large and independent spares shops
• Develop new business by identifying and approaching prospective spares-shop customers
• Conduct scheduled face-to-face customer visits across the East Rand, West Rand and other allocated Gauteng areas
• Maintain an efficient sales route, calling cycle and appointment schedule
• Promote and sell Shell, Valvoline and other represented oils, lubricants and related products
• Provide customers with accurate product information and application guidance
• Identify opportunities to increase product listings, order volumes and market penetration
• Achieve agreed sales, gross-profit and new-business targets
• Maintain regular contact with existing customers and encourage repeat orders
• Discuss promotions, focus products, pricing, stock availability, packaging and new product opportunities with customers
• Identify customers with declining or low sales and implement corrective sales activity
• Negotiate commercially sound agreements and close profitable sales
• Resolve customer complaints by investigating problems, recommending solutions and providing accurate feedback
• Develop suitable promotional and advertising opportunities that deliver an acceptable return on investment
• Maintain accurate customer, sales, visit and pipeline information
• Provide regular sales reports and feedback to management
• Work closely with Marketing, Operations and Finance to support customer service and sales growth
• Maintain all company-issued equipment and assets in accordance with company policy