External Sales Representative - 6-month Temp Assignment

Our client is seeking an experienced and technically minded External Sales Representative to join their team on a 6-month contract in Ekurhuleni.

The successful candidate will be responsible for generating new business, developing and maintaining customer relationships, and providing technical sales solutions across a range of pump products, dewatering systems, slurry pumps, dredging equipment and rental solutions.

The role will service customers across the mining, agricultural and industrial sectors and requires a strong combination of technical knowledge, sales ability and business development experience.

Sales & Business Development

• Identify, develop and pursue new business opportunities within the mining, agricultural and industrial sectors.
• Promote and sell the company's range of pumps, dewatering equipment, dredging solutions and rental services.
• Develop and implement sales strategies to grow market share and expand the customer base.
• Generate new leads through prospecting, networking, referrals and industry engagement.
• Conduct regular customer and site visits to identify operational requirements and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Follow up on sales opportunities, quotations and proposals to successfully close deals.
• Work towards agreed sales targets and business development objectives.

Customer Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with new and existing customers.
• Act as a key point of contact for customers regarding product enquiries, rentals and service-related requirements.
• Regularly engage with customers to identify new requirements and additional business opportunities.
• Provide professional and responsive customer service throughout the sales process.
• Assist with resolving customer concerns and ensure appropriate after-sales support.

Technical & Product Support

• Develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of the company's product range, including submersible pumps, surface pumps, dewatering systems, slurry pumps, dredging equipment and rental solutions.
• Assess customer applications and recommend appropriate equipment and technical solutions.
• Provide customers with technical guidance relating to pump selection, application and maintenance.
• Conduct product demonstrations and customer training where required.
• Remain informed of industry developments, competitor offerings and advancements in pump and dewatering technology.

Quotations & Proposals

• Prepare accurate and competitive quotations for pump sales, rentals and related services.
• Prepare and present sales proposals tailored to customer requirements.
• Negotiate commercial terms and sales agreements within approved company parameters.
• Follow up on quotations and proposals to maximise conversion opportunities.
• Liaise with internal teams regarding pricing, equipment availability and delivery requirements.

CRM, Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of customer interactions, leads, opportunities, quotations and sales activity on the CRM system.
• Manage and maintain an active sales pipeline.
• Track progress against sales targets and business development objectives.
• Submit sales forecasts, activity reports and performance updates to the Sales Manager.
• Provide feedback on customer requirements, competitor activity and market trends.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with internal sales, operations, technical support, logistics and rental teams to ensure customer requirements are fulfilled.
• Coordinate with internal departments regarding equipment availability, delivery, servicing and technical support.
• Share customer feedback, market information and potential sales opportunities with relevant team members.
• Work with the marketing team on promotional activities, campaigns and lead-generation initiatives.

Site Visits & Travel

• Conduct regular visits to customer sites, mines, agricultural operations and industrial facilities.
• Assess customer applications and operating environments to recommend appropriate equipment and solutions.
• Provide on-site technical and sales support where required.
• Attend trade shows, exhibitions, networking events and other industry-related events.
• Travel extensively as required to develop and maintain customer relationships.

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant tertiary technical qualification is essential, preferably a Trade qualification, Electrical qualification or Mechanical qualification.
• Proven experience in external sales, preferably within the mining, agricultural, pumps, industrial or equipment rental sectors.
• Strong technical knowledge of pumps, dewatering systems, slurry equipment and/or related industrial equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in new business development and managing customer accounts.
• Ability to understand customer applications and recommend appropriate technical solutions.
• Strong sales, negotiation and closing skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage a customer portfolio and sales territory.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and general computer applications.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel extensively.