External Sales Consultant (Timber Industry)

Our client is looking for a driven, organized, and relationship-focused Sales Consultant to manage and grow their presence across the KZN region.

This role is ideal for a self-starter with strong sales ability, excellent communication skills, and established relationships within the timber and retail hardware sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for building long-term customer partnerships and driving sales growth across the territory. We are looking for someone with a positive, hands-on attitude who thrives in a fast-paced and evolving environment. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, proactive, adaptable, and willing to do what it takes to achieve results.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular sales calls on assigned customers and retail hardware merchants, including both existing and prospective customers
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through regular face-to-face engagement
• Achieve sales and profitability targets within the assigned territory
• Coordinate sales activities with internal departments including logistics, marketing, and the broader sales team
• Process orders and ensure timely follow-up where required
• Monitor customer product ranges and identify opportunities to increase distribution, product width, and product depth
• Develop and present promotional opportunities with retailers
• Negotiate ranging opportunities with new and existing customers
• Analyse sales performance and market opportunities using available sales data
• Participate in trade shows and industry events as required
• Coordinate and conduct in-store product training for staff
• Manage and sell through overstocked or aged inventory
• Provide regular feedback to management regarding sales performance, customer activity, market trends, and competitor activity
• Ensure all administration, reporting, and correspondence is completed accurately and on time
• Travel throughout the territory, including occasional overnight travel

Requirements

Essential

• 5-10 years external sales experience in timber or timber-related sales
• Existing relationships with retail hardware merchants in the KZN region
• Proven ability to manage and grow a sales territory independently
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Self-motivated, organized, and results-driven
• Own reliable vehicle
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel extensively within the territory
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Advantageous

• Experience with timber and construction-related materials
• Sales and/or Marketing tertiary qualification

Personal Attributes

• Positive and energetic attitude
• Strong work ethic and accountability
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Flexible and adaptable
• Team player with a collaborative approach
• Ability to perform in a dynamic and changing environment
• *ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED*

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