External Sales Consultant
Sandi Crowther Recruitment
Reference: DUR003704-JK-1
KZN. An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced
External Sales Consultant to join a reputable business serving the construction and building materials market. The successful candidate will take ownership of the KZN territory, with a strong focus on developing new business, growing existing accounts, and strengthening relationships with retail hardware merchants. Candidates with proven timber sales experience, an established KZN customer network, and a proactive, results-driven approach will be well suited to this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of existing customers while actively identifying and pursuing new business opportunities
- Conduct regular customer visits and sales calls across the KZN territory
- Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with retail hardware merchants and other customers
- Drive sales growth and achieve agreed turnover and profitability targets
- Identify opportunities to expand product ranges and increase sales across existing accounts
- Introduce and negotiate new product ranging opportunities with customers
- Develop promotional initiatives with retailers to support sales and product movement
- Work closely with internal teams, including logistics, marketing, and sales, to ensure a seamless customer experience
- Process customer orders and follow up on outstanding requirements to ensure efficient service delivery
- Review sales information and market trends to identify potential growth opportunities
- Monitor competitor activity and provide relevant market feedback to management
- Assist customers with product knowledge and coordinate in-store training for retail staff where required
- Support the effective sell-through of surplus, slow-moving, or aged stock
- Represent the company at relevant trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events
- Maintain accurate sales records, reports, correspondence, and other required administration
- Provide regular updates to management regarding territory performance, customer developments, and business opportunities
- Travel extensively throughout KZN, with occasional overnight stays required
Requirements
- 5–10 years’ proven external sales experience, preferably within the timber or related industry
- Established relationships with retail hardware merchants across KZN
- Demonstrated track record of managing and developing a sales territory
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Strong customer relationship management and business development abilities
- Highly motivated, organised, and target-driven
- Entrepreneurial and commercially minded
- Strong sense of accountability and a proactive approach to achieving results
- Positive, energetic, and adaptable personality
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Own reliable vehicle + valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel extensively throughout the territory
- Previous experience selling timber, building materials, or related construction products is ideal
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Sales, Marketing, or a related field is advantageous
Apply: ***email_hidden***