Van Sales Rep X8 at PepsiCo

Overview

• To maximise daily sales and profitability by selling bakery products directly to customers along an allocated route, while providing excellent customer service, managing stock, handling cash securely, and ensuring timely delivery of products in accordance with company policies and procedures

Responsibilities

Sales and Customer Service

• Sell bakery products to existing and prospective customers along the allocated route to achieve daily sales and volume targets.
• Deliver excellent customer service by responding professionally to customer enquiries, resolving routine issues, and maintaining positive customer relationships.
• Identify sales gaps and opportunities within the allocated trading area and recommend opportunities for business growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
• Liaise with the relevant Sales Representative regarding customer requirements, market intelligence, promotions, new business opportunities and service-related matters.

Route and Delivery Management

• Ensure the accurate and timeous delivery of bakery products to customers in accordance with the planned route schedule.
• Take full accountability for the allocated route, ensuring all scheduled customers are serviced efficiently.
• Plan and manage daily route activities to maximise productivity and customer satisfaction.

Cash Handling and Reconciliation

• Handle all cash and approved electronic payments in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Safeguard company cash at all times and ensure accurate recording of all sales transactions.
• Balance the Driver's books daily by reconciling cash received, sales, stock and returns.
• Complete all sales, delivery and reconciliation documentation accurately and within required timeframes.
• Minimise driver shortages through accurate cash handling, stock control and daily reconciliations.

Stock and Crate Control

• Load, transport and account for all stock issued on the route.
• Ensure accurate stock reconciliation for all products sold, returned, damaged or unsold.
• Maintain effective crate control by accurately accounting for all crates issued, returned and collected from customers.
• Minimise stock losses and product wastage through sound stock management practices.

Vehicle Management

• Operate the company vehicle safely and responsibly at all times.
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections and report any defects promptly.
• Ensure the vehicle is kept clean, roadworthy and compliant with company standards.

Compliance and Safety

• Comply with company policies, food safety requirements, cash handling procedures and road traffic legislation.
• Ensure the security of company stock, cash, crates and assets while on route.
• Represent the company professionally at all customer interactions.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent.
• Valid South African Code 10 (C1) driver's licence with a valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
• Marketing and Sales qualification will be advantageous

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in direct sales, van sales, FMCG distribution or route-to-market operations.
• Experience handling cash and stock reconciliation.
• Experience within the bakery or FMCG industry will be advantageous.

Knowledge

• Cash handling and reconciliation procedures.
• Route sales and customer service principles.
• Stock control and inventory management.
• Basic sales techniques and negotiation skills.
• Road traffic legislation.
• Food safety and hygiene requirements.

Skills and Competencies

• Sales and negotiation skills.
• Customer relationship management.
• Cash handling accuracy.
• Numerical and reconciliation skills.
• Planning and route management.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Time management.
• Accountability and integrity.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently.
• Resilience and results orientation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to load and offload bakery products.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Willingness to work early mornings, weekends and public holidays as operationally required.
• Ability to drive for extended periods.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Daily sales value and volume.
• Route compliance.
• New customer acquisition.
• Customer service standards.
• Cash reconciliation accuracy.
• Stock accountability and shrinkage.
• Vehicle compliance and safety.
• On-time route completion.
• Product availability and service levels.
• Customer retention and satisfaction.