Technical Sales Advisor â€" Cleaning & Hygiene

Technical Sales Advisor â€" Cleaning & HygieneOur client is a cleaning and hygiene division supplying specialised detergents and disinfectants approved for use in food manufacturing facilities. They are seeking a technically skilled, customer-focused Technical Sales Advisor to build and grow relationships with food processing customers across their territory, combining technical expertise with consultative selling and account management. Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement territory growth plans; identify and secure new business opportunities within the food manufacturing sector, achieving and exceeding monthly sales targets. Conduct site surveys, hygiene audits, and process evaluations to assess customer cleaning procedures and recommend suitable detergent, disinfectant, and sanitation programmes. Provide expert technical advice on chemical dosing, food safety and contamination control, disinfection protocols, foam cleaning, open plant systems, and Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems. Prepare and present technical proposals, quotations, product presentations, and business reviews; negotiate pricing and commercial agreements within company guidelines. Conduct product trials, performance evaluations, and implementation support; provide customer training on product application, handling, and safety requirements. Build and maintain strong relationships with production managers, quality managers, hygiene managers, procurement personnel, and plant management; respond promptly to customer enquiries, complaints, and technical issues. Maintain active sales pipeline, provide accurate sales forecasts, and identify opportunities to expand existing customer accounts through additional products and services. Ensure all customer records are complete and accurate on the CRM system; accurately record customer visits, technical findings, opportunities, and actions; submit weekly call reports within required deadlines. Monitor competitor activity, pricing strategies, and market developments; identify emerging customer needs and provide regular feedback to management regarding market trends and product improvement opportunities. Adhere to established call cycles and site safety procedures; work both independently and within a team environment, managing multiple priorities and conducting extensive travel to customer sites. Requirements3â€"5 years' technical sales experience within the food industry, industrial hygiene, food chemical, water treatment, or related sectors. Grade 12 plus relevant Degree or Diploma (NQF Level 6): N Dip Food Technology, BCom, BSc Food Science, BSc Biotechnology, or BSc Microbiology. Demonstrated knowledge of food industry cleaning and hygiene processes; strong understanding of CIP systems and open plant cleaning applications. Practical experience with detergent and disinfectant applications in food processing environments. Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, or Food Safety Management Systems. Experience conducting hygiene audits and sanitation assessments. Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications. Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel extensively to customer sites. Strong consultative selling, account management, and negotiation skills; proven ability to develop and maintain customer relationships. Excellent communication and presentation skills; self-motivated, results-driven, and customer-focused mindset with strong organisational and time-management abilities. PreferredBackground in related technical support or field-based customer advisory roles. Exposure to abattoir, meat processing, or dairy processing environments.