About the position
About the Company
An established South African wholesale supplier serving the independent hardware, building material, agricultural, irrigation, plumbing, and retail trade sectors.
With more than 28 years of industry experience, they have built a reputation for product availability, competitive pricing, strong customer relationships, reliable service, and extensive market knowledge.
Our objective is simple: to become the preferred supplier partner to independent retailers by delivering quality products, excellent service, and profitable growth opportunities.
We are expanding our external sales team and are looking for experienced sales professionals who can gain traction quickly, develop territory sales, and build long-term customer relationships.
About the Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and developing an allocated sales territory, servicing existing customers and securing new business opportunities.
This is a field-based sales role focused on independent hardware stores, hardware wholesalers, building material suppliers, co-operatives, agricultural retailers, mining and related trade customers.
The representative will be expected to spend the majority of their time in the field calling on customers, identifying opportunities, presenting promotions, increasing product penetration, and driving profitable sales growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and grow an allocated geographical territory.
- Develop strong relationships with independent hardware store owners and key decision-makers.
- Increase sales and product penetration within existing accounts.
- Identify and open new customer accounts.
- Promote the full company product range.
- Conduct regular customer visits and route planning.
- Present promotions, pricing initiatives, and new product launches.
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends.
- Ensure accurate reporting through the company's CRM system.
- Maintain a healthy sales pipeline and prospect list.
- Achieve sales, growth, and activity objectives.
- Assist customers with product knowledge and merchandising opportunities.
- Resolve customer queries professionally and efficiently.
Product Categories
The successful candidate will represent a broad range of products including:
- Hardware products
- Hand tools
- Power tool accessories
- Plumbing products
- Irrigation products
- Fasteners
- Builders' hardware
- General trade products
- DIY products
- Retail hardware consumables
- Agricultural and industrial product lines
Target Customers
- Independent Hardware Stores
- Hardware Buying Groups
- Building Material Merchants
- Agricultural Retailers
- Irrigation Dealers
- Co-operatives
- Trade Retailers
- Specialist Plumbing Stores
- General Retail Outlets
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are specifically looking for Hunter profile candidates who can generate results quickly and who already possess:
- Proven external sales experience within the hardware, tools, plumbing, building materials, agricultural or related wholesale sectors.
- Existing relationships with independent hardware retailers.
- Strong territory knowledge.
- Established customer network within the assigned region.
- Proven ability to grow sales and secure new business.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
- Good commercial and business acumen.
- Professional appearance and conduct.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum 3-5 years external sales experience.
- Hardware, plumbing, tools, building materials or related industry experience is highly advantageous.
- Valid South African driver's licence.
- Own reliable vehicle (essential).
- Matric certificate.
- Computer literacy.
- Comfortable using CRM systems and mobile sales applications.
- Stable employment history with strong references.
Please Note:
- Own vehicle is a mandatory requirement [No company vehicle provided].
- No medical aid contribution or no pension or provident fund contribution.
- No laptop or tablet provided.
Why Join us
- Established business with over 28 years of industry experience.
- Strong supplier and customer relationships.
- Extensive product offering.
- Competitive pricing and stock availability.
- Opportunity to build and own a territory.
- Entrepreneurial and performance-driven culture.
- Genuine career growth opportunities.
- Immediate opportunity to make a significant impact.
***Salary - R18,000.00 - R22,000.00 + Vehicle Maintenance Allowance (R1,500 per month ) + Company Fuel Card + Data & Airtime Allowance (R500 per month) + Attractive Commission Structure (Negotiable, based on skills, experience and in relation to current package)
Desired Skills:
