About the position
Role Purpose:
The External Sales Representative is responsible for driving new business development and revenue growth within the cleaning, hygiene, pest control, and facility support services sector. This role focuses on identifying, pursuing, and securing long-term commercial contracts across corporate, industrial, retail, logistics, healthcare, education, and public sector environments.
The successful candidate will build strong client relationships, develop tailored service solutions, and contribute to sustainable revenue growth through proactive sales strategies and market expansion initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Business Development & New Sales
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities within allocated geographic territories and target sectors.
- Prospect and generate leads through cold calling, networking, referrals, and industry engagement.
- Conduct client needs analyses and site assessments to develop customised service proposals.
- Prepare and present professional proposals, quotations, and tender submissions.
- Negotiate pricing, service scope, and contract terms in line with company objectives.
- Secure long-term service contracts and achieve agreed sales targets.
- Client Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers including:
- Facility Managers
- Procurement Managers
- Operations Managers
- Property Managers
- Estate Managers
- Municipal and Government Officials
- Conduct regular follow-ups to ensure high client satisfaction and retention.
- Address client queries, resolve escalations, and ensure seamless service handover to operations.
- Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities within existing accounts.
- Market & Industry Intelligence
- Monitor competitor activity, pricing trends, and industry developments.
- Identify emerging market opportunities within cleaning, hygiene, pest control, and consumables supply.
- Provide market feedback and strategic insights to management.
- Reporting & Administration
- Maintain accurate sales pipeline records and CRM updates.
- Submit weekly and monthly sales activity reports.
- Track tender deadlines and ensure compliant submissions.
- Ensure all documentation, contracts, and SLAs are completed accurately.
- Tender & Contract Management
- Identify public and private sector tender opportunities.
- Assist in compiling comprehensive tender responses including technical and pricing schedules.
- Liaise with internal departments to ensure operational feasibility of proposed contracts.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Achievement of monthly and annual revenue targets.
- New client acquisition rate.
- Gross margin targets per contract.
- Pipeline growth and conversion ratio.
- Client retention and contract renewal rate.
Requirements:
- Grade 12 (Matric).
- Diploma or Degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Management, or related field (advantageous).
- external sales experience in: (Advantageous)
- Contract cleaning services
- Hygiene services
- Pest control
- Facilities management
- Consumables supply
- Or related B2B service industries
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
- Experience with tender submissions and corporate contracts.
- Valid driver's licence and own reliable vehicle.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong negotiation and closing skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Ability to conduct professional site assessments.
- Financial acumen and understanding of pricing structures.
- High level of self-motivation and resilience.
- Strong networking and relationship-building capabilities.
- Ability to work independently and manage territory effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
Personal Attributes
- Professional and well-presented.
- Results-driven and target-oriented.
- Ethical and integrity focused.
- Strong problem-solving ability.
- Adaptable and able to operate in a fast-paced environment.
- High attention to detail.
Working Conditions
- Primarily field-based with regular client visits.
- Frequent travel within allocated regions.
- Occasional after-hours meetings or networking events.
- Office attendance for sales meetings and reporting as required.
***Salary - R15,000.00 - R25,000.00 (Negotiable, based on skills, experience and in relation to current package)
Desired Skills:
