External Sales Executive – Airport Industrial (Cape Town)

About the role

Our client, a national supplier of industrial chemicals across South Africa, is looking for an experienced External Sales Executive to drive growth in the airport industrial sector in Cape Town. The role involves generating new business, managing client relationships and travelling to customer sites.

Key responsibilities

• Generate new business through cold calling, referrals, research and market development.
• Grow and maintain the customer base via cross‑selling and strong client relationships.
• Conduct regular client visits and submit weekly call plans.
• Identify customer needs through site visits and needs analysis.
• Prepare and present quotations, proposals, samples and product information.
• Maintain accurate customer, pricing and sales records and provide regular feedback, sales reports and stock forecasts.
• Manage the sales pipeline and convert opportunities into business, achieving agreed sales, gross profit, retention and growth targets.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards, company policies and procedures.

Required profile

• Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate.
• Proven external sales, account management or business development experience, preferably in chemicals, industrial or agricultural sectors.
• Relevant sales/marketing qualification (advantageous).
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel.
• Computer literate with experience using CRM, email, spreadsheets and reporting tools.
• Experience preparing quotations, proposals, forecasting and maintaining customer records.
• Strong commercial awareness, communication and negotiation abilities.

Required skills

• New business development and prospecting.
• Consultative and solution‑based selling.
• Customer relationship management.
• Negotiation and commercial awareness.
• Planning and time‑management.
• Strong communication and administration.
• Results‑driven, professional and self‑motivated attitude.