Business Development Specialist - Adhesives

SUMMARY:

A well-established, leading specialty chemicals distributor is seeking the above to be responsible for driving the profitable growth of its adhesive portfolio (hot-melt, water-based, and specialty adhesives) within the agricultural packaging industry in the Western Cape.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• A relevant formal qualification in Sales, Marketing, Chemical Engineering, or Packaging Technology is preferred but not essential
• Minimum 5 years’ proven field sales experience in adhesives, packaging materials, or consumables sold into the agricultural/fresh-produce packaging sector in the Western Cape
• Existing network and relationships within the Western Cape fruit packaging industry is highly advantageous
• Must have a technical understanding of hot-melt and water-based adhesive application systems (nozzle, wheel, extrusion, and spray)
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and closing skills
• Must have a valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively in the Western Cape (Hex River Valley, Ceres, Grabouw, Paarl, Piketberg, etc.)
• Fluency in Afrikaans and English (Read, Write, Speak)
• Proficient in MS Office and CRM systems

• Achieving and exceeding annual sales and gross-profit targets for adhesives in the agricultural packaging sector.
• Actively prospecting, developing, and maintaining a robust pipeline of new and existing customers (packaging converters, corrugated board plants, tray erectors, label printers, and fresh produce packhouses with on-site gluing equipment).
• Conducting regular on-site technical sales calls, glue-line audits, and troubleshooting at customer plants.
• Demonstrating adhesive performance advantages (runability, bond strength, food-contact compliance, low-temperature resistance, and high-speed machining).
• Working closely with the company’s adhesives principals.
• Presenting and training customer teams on correct adhesive application, storage, and equipment settings.
• Preparing and submitting weekly call reports, monthly forecasts, and customer visit plans via CRM.
• Attending key industry events (PMA Fresh Connections, Fruit Logistica local events, Cape Pack shows, etc.).
• Managing pricing, rebates, credit limits, and debtor collection in line with company policy.