Head of Sales: Food Safety Inspections, Certifications and Training at SafetySA

Job Purpose

• The Head of Sales is responsible for leading the sales department, developing and executing sales strategies, and driving revenue growth. This role involves managing the sales team, setting sales targets, and ensuring the company meets its financial goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver role-specific outputs in accordance with SafetySA's quality and compliance frameworks.
• Meet agreed KPIs, deadlines, and internal customer expectations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to process improvements.
• Apply SafetySA’s values in decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure full adherence to legal, regulatory, and procedural obligations.
• Leadership: Provide leadership and direction to the sales team, ensuring they are motivated and equipped to meet their targets.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve company revenue targets and expand market share.
• Performance Monitoring: Set sales targets, quotas, and performance metrics, and monitor progress to ensure targets are met or exceeded.
• Client Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Market Analysis: Analyse market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, product development, and other departments to align sales strategies with business objectives.
• Sales Process Management: Oversee the sales process from prospecting to closing deals, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Reporting: Provide regular reports on sales performance, market trends, and strategic initiatives to senior management
• Weekly reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer on progress, blockers, and team activity.
• Monthly KPI tracking and reporting via internal systems or dashboards.
• Participation in quarterly reviews and strategic planning sessions.
• Deliver regular client engagement and sales pipeline updates as required to support forecasting and business planning.
• Comply with all SafetySA safety protocols, work instructions, and risk mitigation procedures.
• Report all unsafe acts or conditions.
• Attend mandatory internal and external training related to HSE, legal compliance, and company policies.

Job Requirements
Experience

• Must have 5–8 years of experience in sales leadership role within the food safety, inspection, certification, or training industry.
• Proven track record in B2B sales, client acquisition, and account management in regulated environments.
• Experience working with retailers, food manufacturers, distribution centers, and hospitality sectors.
• Familiarity with auditing, compliance, and regulatory frameworks in food safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Environmental Health, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or Business Administration.
• A postgraduate qualification in Sales Management, Business Development, or Quality Assurance is advantageous.
• Certification or working knowledge of ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, HACCP, and other food safety standards is highly desirable.

Skills

• Strong strategic sales planning and pipeline management skills.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, sales analytics, and reporting tools.
• Ability to lead and motivate a sales team across multiple regions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in technical sales environments.

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of food safety standards, including ISO, FSSC, HACCP, and GMP.
• Knowledge of South African food safety legislation, including the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and the Consumer Protection Act.
• Awareness of training methodologies, certification processes, and inspection protocols.
• Familiarity with industry trends, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance requirements.