East Rand: Sales Manager posted by Stonebridge HR Solutions

Overview: 
The Sales Manager is responsible for leading and managing all sales activities for the farm, including selling of fresh farm produce, packaged products, and bulk orders to retailers, wholesalers, export clients, and local markets as well as pricing strategy, contract negotiation, managing delivery schedules, and ensuring customer satisfaction while maintaining profitability and aligning production with market demand.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Management, Agriculture, or related field.
• Additional certification in sales management or agribusiness is an advantage.
• 3–5 years’ experience in sales management or key account management, preferably in:
• Agriculture
• Food production
• FMCG
• Experience negotiating with retailers, wholesalers, or distributors is highly advantageous.
• Valid drivers license and own transport 

Skills required: 

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Knowledge of agricultural products, crop cycles, and packhouse operations.
• Excellent customer service and relationship management.
• Ability to handle pressure, fast-paced environments, and large order volumes.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) and sales management software/ERP.
• Understanding of pricing strategies and market dynamics

Responsibilities:
Sales Strategy s Market Development

• Develop and execute sales strategies to increase revenue, expand market reach, and grow customer accounts.
• Identify new market opportunities (local, regional, retail, wholesale, export).
• Conduct market research on pricing trends, customer demand, and competitor activities.
  Work closely with the production and procurement departments to align crop volumes with sales plans.
• Recommend new product lines, packaging styles, and marketing opportunities.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, retailers, distributors, and bulk buyers.
• Visit customer sites regularly to strengthen partnerships and understand market needs.
• Handle customer complaints, returns, and service concerns professionally and efficiently.
• Oversee customer onboarding and ensure compliance with buyer requirements (quality, packaging, safety standards).

Sales Operations s Order Management

• Manage daily sales operations, including orders, pricing, dispatch planning, and delivery follow-ups.
• Coordinate with the packhouse team to ensure orders are packed according to customer specifications.
• Ensure all deliveries meet quality, weight, packaging, and freshness standards.
• Oversee loading and dispatch to prevent delivery errors or product damage.
• Ensure accurate issuing of invoices, delivery notes, and proof of delivery (PODs).

Pricing, Contracts s Negotiation

• Develop price lists, quotations, and proposals based on market conditions and production costs.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with retailers, vendors, and wholesalers.
• Ensure profitability through effective pricing strategies without compromising quality.
  Manage credit terms, payment agreements, and overdue account follow-ups.

Sales Forecasting s Reporting

• Forecast sales volumes based on crop availability and market demand.
• Monitor performance against sales targets and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Generate daily, weekly, and monthly reports for management on:
• Sales performance
• Market insights
• Customer trends
• Expected shortages or surpluses
• Provide input into production planning and harvesting schedules.

Compliance s Quality Assurance

• Ensure all products sold comply with food safety, traceability, and customer specifications.
• Collaborate with QA and Packhouse Supervisors to maintain consistent quality.
• Ensure all labelling, barcoding, and packaging meets regulatory and buyer requirements.
• Support customer audits and inspections when required.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us in 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.