Sales Representative (C4) at Macsteel

Job Advert Summary    

• Know your alloys from your tool steels? We’re looking for a Sales Representative experienced in the steel or engineering sales professional market. Sell the steel behind South Africa’s industry.  We are looking for individuals who are Technically minded, have a hunter mentality with proven results.
• All appointments are merit based and candidates, who do not meet the criteria stipulated below, will not be considered.
• All applications must be accompanied by a current updated curriculum vitae.
• No interview will be granted without the knowledge of the applicant’s manager.
• Due to high volumes of CV’s received, if you have not received a response within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Minimum Requirements    

• Grade 12 / Matric essential.
• Relevant Sales; business; marketing and / or Engineering qualification is advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant external sales experience in the special steel, engineering steel or related steel distribution industry is essential
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and developing profitable customer accounts.
• Strong technical knowledge of special steel products, grades, specifications and applications relevant to the role.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel outside of Gauteng as and when required.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and relevant ERP or CRM systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation and presentation skills.

Duties and Responsibilities    
Sales and Business Development

• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve monthly and annual sales volume, turnover and gross profit targets.
• Identify, prospect and secure new customers within the special steel, engineering, manufacturing, automotive, mining and related industrial sectors.
• Grow existing customer accounts through increased sales volumes, cross-selling and identifying new business opportunities.
• Monitor and report on competitor activity, market pricing, customer trends and industry developments.

Technical Product Knowledge

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of special steel grades, specifications, dimensions and applications.
• Understand the properties and applications of relevant engineering steels.
• Identify customer requirements relating to material grades, dimensions, tolerances, mechanical properties, certification and supply conditions.
• Liaise with technical, quality and operational teams to resolve product-related queries and ensure customer requirements are met.

Customer Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with buyers, procurement managers, engineers, production managers and key decision makers.
• Develop an understanding of customer purchasing patterns, production requirements and future demand.
• Proactively communicate pricing, stock availability, lead times and potential supply constraints.
• Resolve customer complaints and service issues professionally, working with internal departments to implement corrective action.
• Maintain customer satisfaction and identify opportunities to improve retention and long-term account growth.

Commercial and Financial Management

• Prepare and negotiate quotations and pricing proposals within approved company guidelines.
• Protect gross profit margins while remaining competitive in the market.
• Evaluate customer profitability, sales performance and opportunities for sustainable growth.
• Monitor sales volumes, gross profit performance and account development against agreed targets.
• Support credit control in managing overdue accounts whilst maintaining excellent relations with customers.

Internal Coordination and Reporting

• Work closely with internal sales, procurement, planning, warehouse and logistics teams to ensure accurate order processing and reliable deliveries.
• Monitor stock availability and proactively manage customer expectations regarding shortages and delayed deliveries.
• Maintain accurate customer records, sales forecasts, quotation follow-ups and pipeline information.
• Provide regular sales reports, market intelligence and feedback to management.