SUMMARY:
Leading manufacturer and supplier of metal products has a position for an Export Sales Trader. This position is based in Germiston, Gauteng.
POSITION INFO:
To drive and manage sales of the company’s products to markets outside of South Africa.
This role is responsible for building strong, long-term relationships with customers across multiple countries, ensuring consistent service and support predominantly via phone and email, with periodic in-country visits.
The Export Sales Trader identifies growth opportunities, maintains customer satisfaction, and ensures consistent delivery of the company's value proposition to foreign customers.
Sales and Revenue Generation
Meet or exceed monthly, quarterly and yearly sales targets
Identify new sales opportunities within existing accounts
Reactivate dormant accounts through targeted outreach and strategic offers
Proactively identify and close new business opportunities via cold calling and lead generation.
Manage and maintain accurate customer records, forecasts and pipeline tracking in CRM or internal systems.
Customer Relationship Management
Manage a portfolio of international customers across multiple countries.
Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with existing customers through regular phone and email contact, as well as in-person visits from time-to-time
Act as a key point of contact for all telesales-related support and queries.
Understand each customer’s business, preferences, and purchasing patterns, market challenges and opportunities to offer tailored service.
Ensure customer satisfaction by providing timely feedback and proactive service.
Market Development
Identify and develop new customers, distributors and market opportunities in targeted countries.
Conduct market research to understand product demand, pricing trends and competitive activity in each region.
Provide market feedback to management to support strategic decisions.
Order Management:
Assist customers with placing new orders or adjusting existing ones.
Process incoming orders from customers, ensuring accuracy in product selection, quantities, pricing, and delivery details.
Liaise with Export Sales Co-ordinator and Exports Controller to ensure timely and accurate order dispatch.
Manage returns, exchanges, and product issues in line with company policies and in collaboration with the Internal Sales Manager.
Customer Service:
Communicate directly with customers to provide information regarding products, pricing, delivery status, and returns.
Handle customer queries and resolve issues related to orders, products, or services in a professional and timely manner.
Maintain customer satisfaction and retention through consistent follow-up and support.
Reporting and CRM Maintenance
Keep accurate, up-to-date records of all customer interactions and transactions in the CRM system.
Maintain a structured call schedule
Generate sales reports, pipeline forecasts, travel plans and feedback summaries when requested.
Product & Market Knowledge:
Stay up to date with the full range of hand tools, new product launches, and sales campaigns.
Confidently communicate product features, benefits, and technical information to customers.
Gather customer feedback on product demand, pricing, and competitor activity, and report insights to management.
Stay updated on product features, promotions, and industry trends to effectively recommend additional items to customers.
Represent the company at international trade shows and exhibitions as needed.
Collaboration:
Contribute to a positive team work environment and collaborate and support the Export sales team
Share insights, ideas, and opportunities that could benefit the team or improve the sales process.
Assist with onboarding or mentoring new Export team members, if required.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualification:
Grade 12/Matric certificate
A tertiary qualification in Business, Sales, International Trade or a related field is advantageous.
French or Portuguese speaking is an advantage
Experience:
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in export sales, international trading, or global account management.
Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets, especially in an outbound sales environment, with exposure to cold calling or new business development
Solid knowledge of INCOTERMS, international logistics and export documentation.
Understanding of pricing strategies, foreign currencies and international payment terms (e.g., LC, TT).
Travel to international customers.
Exposure to planning and conducting overseas customer visits or attending international trade shows — ideally in African, Middle Eastern, or other emerging markets.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:
Sales Expertise: In-depth understanding of sales principles, customer service excellence, and sales strategies. Strong sales and negotiation abilities, with a proven ability to close deals over the phone
Customer Service: Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to interact with customers and manage relationships effectively. Genuine interest in helping customers succeed.
Attention to Detail: Accuracy in order processing, from order entry to shipping, is vital for minimizing errors.
Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to handle any issues that arise in the order fulfilment process, whether they relate to customer dissatisfaction, shipping errors, or inventory problems.
Technology Skills: Proficiency in MS Office, CRM software, and sales tracking tools.
Time Management and Organizational Skills: The employee needs to juggle various tasks, including order entry, upselling, and logistics management, while ensuring deadlines of the team are met.
Physical Demands: Ability to work in an office environment, sitting at a desk for extended periods. Willingness and ability to travel internationally when required.
Pro-active: Target-driven and self-motivated with a can-do attitude
Resilient and persistent: especially when handling objections or reactivating inactive accounts. Comfortable in a fast-paced, performance-based sales environment.
Independent: Able to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment
Adaptable: Open to learning and feedback, and adaptable to new systems, processes, or product updates
