Technical Sales at Lafayette Resources

Are you a Technical Sales Professional  who is ready to take a significant career  move?

We are seeking to fill the position of Technical Sales for our client in the manufacturing sector.

Our Client is a leading paint manufacturer with over 45 years’ experience in the manufacture of paint and paint related products. Over the years the company has expanded its offering from the initial Economy Range of paints to the Premium Range, as well as a host of other top international brands.

The Company’s paint products are widely distributed in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and Southern Sudan.

JOB PURPOSE

The job holder will handle all sales activities including identifying new business opportunities, growing existing business through product development and expanding customer base. They will also provide customers with technical advice on raw materials, processing and application formulations.

This role will be working alongside Product Managers, Application Technologists and Account Managers to initiate and convert new opportunities with existing and prospective customers.

SCOPE OF FUNCTION / KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Customer Needs Assessment
  • Proactively plan for customer and sales visits and development of close relationships with the various decision makers.
  •  Maintain a comprehensive contact customer database with all key contact details and a thorough understanding of customer needs.
  • Regularly update customers with current product portfolio and new product development plans and also prepare detailed and actionable customer visit reports
  •  Professional and efficient customer service
  • Be the point of contact for customers in all aspects, queries, products, orders, deliveries, general accounts etc
  • Respond to customers price requests, certificate of analysis, technical data and material safety data sheets
  • Resolve queries from customers in a timely manner and ensure prompt dispatch of sample materials and follow up with customers
  • Market Intelligence and development
  • Monitor market trends and competitor activities and provide reports to the Commercial Manager
  • Maintain up-to-date market information, information on potential business opportunities/market as well as regular customer surveys
  •  Discuss on a regular basis your BD strategy to grow business by adding new customers, expand product portfolio and increase market share with CM
•  Supplier Visit Management
• Plan supplier visits and training seminars to ensure all key customer visits are made in a timely manner and at the clients' convenience
•  Administrative duties
• Review monthly sales reports
•  Discuss sales information in terms of Current sales vs previous periods / financial periods; Current sales vs budget; Product sales analysis; Customer behavior profile
•  Strictly adhere to reporting deadlines
•  Communicate and coordinate closely all orders and important feedback from customers with the internal sales representatives
•  Obtain a general understanding of product ranges and stay up to date with new products and features; and regularly communicate with Finance and Warehouse and logistics teams.
• Execute any additional tasks as required, and occasionally work extra hours to meet job demands as necessary

KEY JOB REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in business or Scientific discipline from a recognized academic institution
• 7+ years experience in technical sales, preferably in building and construction, or manufacturing sectors
• Proficient in computer and digital skills
• Possess the ability to interface effectively with commercial and technical contacts from a range of companies
• Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure whilst meeting strict deadlines
• Outstanding in commercial and business acumen
• Possess strong Communication skills and Interpersonal skills
• Financial management skills, problem solving & negotiation skills