Hospitality & Tourism Sales Specialist at SMD Technologies

Job Purpose

• We are looking for a proactive and relationship-driven Hospitality & Tourism Sales Specialist to develop new business opportunities across the hospitality and tourism industry.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying and approaching hotel groups, independent hotels, resorts, lodges, casinos and other hospitality-related businesses. The role will focus heavily on field-based prospecting, client visits and new account development, with the objective of identifying opportunities to supply SMD’s extensive product range.
• The successful candidate should be comfortable being out in the market, meeting clients, building relationships and developing opportunities from initial prospect through to long-term customer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and prospect for new business opportunities within the hospitality and tourism sector.
• Target hotel groups, independent hotels, resorts, lodges, casinos and other hospitality-related businesses.
• Conduct market research to identify potential clients, projects and procurement opportunities.
• Develop relationships with procurement, operations, facilities, IT and other relevant decision-makers.
• Conduct cold calling, networking, email outreach and face-to-face prospecting.
• Arrange and attend client meetings, property visits and site visits.
• Identify client requirements and recommend appropriate SMD products and solutions.
• Promote products including TVs, appliances, hairdryers, coffee machines, mosquito lamps, furniture, technology products and other hospitality-related solutions.
• Identify opportunities for new developments, refurbishments, renovations and ongoing operational requirements.
• Prepare and present product proposals and quotations in conjunction with internal teams.
• Follow up consistently on prospects, quotations and sales opportunities.
• Develop newly acquired accounts into long-term, repeat customers.
• Identify cross-selling and up-selling opportunities across SMD’s product portfolio.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, prospects and sales opportunities.
• Work closely with internal sales administration and order-processing teams to ensure an effective handover of confirmed orders.
• Achieve agreed sales targets and business-development KPIs.
• Monitor industry trends, developments and upcoming hospitality projects.
• Attend industry events, exhibitions and networking opportunities where relevant.
• Perform other sales-related and ad hoc duties as required.

Requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Sales, Marketing, Hospitality, Business Management or a related field will be advantageous.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in B2B sales, business development or a similar role.
• Previous experience selling into the hospitality, tourism, retail, property or related sectors will be advantageous.
• Proven experience in new-business development and client prospecting.
• Strong networking and relationship-building abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Commercially driven with the ability to identify and develop sales opportunities.
• Self-motivated, energetic and comfortable working in a field-based sales environment.
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel extensively for client meetings and site visits.