Johannesburg: Regional Sales Representative (Retail) posted by O’Brien Recruitment

JOB SCOPE AND MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Independent Channel Manager, you will develop effective business relationships with stores outside of the optical channel (Independent Fashion / Departmental / Footwear / Sports doors). This job focuses on acquiring and growing the customer base. The Representative demonstrates excellent customer service skills, meets selling and customer service goals, provides product knowledge to customers, and works as part of a team to meet individual and store objectives. You will be responsible for managing existing accounts, opening new doors, and increasing the number of brands sold within the channel and territory.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Account Management:

• Maintain and grow relationships with existing accounts in the sports and eyewear retail space.

New Business Development:

• Identify, target, and open new retail accounts including sports shops, fashion retailers, outdoor stores, footwear, and departmental stores for helmets, AFA, and eyewear.

Sales Strategy Execution:

• Implement the brands sales strategy to meet or exceed distribution and revenue goals in your territory.

Product Presentations:

• Conduct line showings, product knowledge sessions, and seasonal sell-ins to buyers and retail staff.

Territory Planning:

• Organize and execute regular visits to maximize in-store presence, sell-through, and support.

Reporting & Forecasting:

• Track sales performance, provide regular updates, and report market insights to the management team.

Merchandising and Training:

• Ensure optimal visual merchandising and branding execution at the retail level, coupled with training on how to sell out the brands.

• Provide an unsurpassed and memorable customer experience through making a connection, attention to detail, and offering solutions that result in customer satisfaction.

• Take pride in the store’s appearance and show initiative to keep displays and inventory clean, attractive, and well organized.

• Secure all company assets under ones control.

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

Knowledge:

• 3-5 years wholesale experience

Skills:

• Account management, growing existing, prospecting new, negotiation and closing skills with a focus on long-term value vs short-term wins

• Able to analyze sales figures, identify trends and opportunities within existing client base as well as the ability to ask for new business

• Builds trust quickly, excellent interpersonal communication, active listener

• Efficient with reporting and planning

• Comfortable using digital catalogues, online systems, Microsoft Office

• Comfortable conducting in-store training and negotiating POSM placement

• Ability to turn a no into a sale

• Business and commercial acumen

Personal Traits:

• Independent worker with excellent self-discipline with the ability to work in a team when needed

• Highly self-motivated and target-driven

• Adaptable and resilient in fast-paced environment

• Willing to travel and manage territory independently

• Innovative

• Planning and organization skills

EDUCATION AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Tertiary qualification will be advantageous with key focus on Marketing, Sales, Business

Minimum Requirements:

• Excel at Intermediate level

• Travelling will be required

• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders, functions, and cultures

• Quarterly after-hour activations and events

• Flexibility and open to change

• 3-5 years proven sales experience in wholesale

• Valid drivers license with own reliable vehicle

LANGUAGES:

• English & Afrikaans