Technical Sales Representative – Fire Detection & Suppression Systems – East Rand

SUMMARY:
Technical Sales Representative – Fire Detection & Suppression Systems – East Rand

POSITION INFO:
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE A proactive, commercially focused technical sales professional who enjoys developing new business, building trusted customer relationships and learning specialised industrial products. Direct fire suppression experience is an advantage, but transferable sales experience in mining, engineering, heavy equipment, hydraulics, electrical equipment or industrial safety is welcome. POSITION OVERVIEW An opportunity exists for a commercially driven, technically minded sales professional to develop new business and grow existing accounts in specialist fire detection and suppression solutions for high-risk industrial equipment and operating environments. The role combines prospecting, relationship management, practical technical understanding and close collaboration with qualified technical teams. Applications include mining vehicles and trackless mobile machinery, forestry and construction equipment, substations, transformers, generators, conveyors, hydraulic power packs and related industrial assets. The requirements below describe an ideal profile rather than an inflexible checklist. Applicants with transferable technical sales experience are encouraged to apply. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Business Development & Sales Growth Identify and secure new customers in mining, forestry, construction, power generation and heavy industry; prospect through networking, referrals, direct outreach and site visits. Build relationships with OEMs, machinery dealers, fleet owners, contractors, engineering firms, procurement teams, engineers, maintenance managers and safety personnel. Manage opportunities from first enquiry through quotation, negotiation and order placement; meet agreed revenue, gross profit and new-account targets. Identify retrofit, upgrade, replacement-system and maintenance-agreement opportunities; monitor market developments and competitor activity. Technical Sales & Customer Engagement Visit customer sites to understand equipment, operating conditions and fire protection needs; collect specifications, photographs and accurate scope information. Explain appropriate technologies within the company product range, potentially including liquid-agent, dry chemical, foam, water mist, gas and aerosol systems. Arrange presentations and demonstrations; collaborate with qualified technical personnel to develop suitable proposals. Communicate benefits including operator safety, asset protection, reduced downtime and ongoing maintenance. Quotations & Commercial Management Prepare accurate, professional quotations and proposals using approved pricing and technical specifications. Follow up quotations, tenders and purchasing decisions; negotiate within approved pricing, margin and contractual limits. Maintain reliable forecasts, CRM records and customer documentation; co-ordinate account applications, payment terms and overdue-account queries with finance. Project Co-ordination & After-Sales Service Provide clear handovers to installation and service teams, including agreed customer requirements and deliverables. Keep customers informed about delivery, installation and commissioning; co-ordinate resolution of concerns with relevant departments. Follow up completed projects and develop repeat business through fleet expansion, additional asset protection and service requirements. Sales Administration & Reporting Maintain sales activity, pipeline and customer records; prepare regular reports and forecasts. Plan customer travel effectively and communicate market opportunities, customer needs and sales progress to management. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Matric \/ Grade 12 and preferably at least three years of successful external technical sales experience. Experience in fire suppression, mining equipment, industrial safety products, heavy machinery or other engineered solutions is relevant. Demonstrated new-business development and target achievement; practical familiarity with industrial equipment, hydraulics, engine compartments or electrical machinery. Ability to interpret customer requirements and technical specifications; confidence with quotations, Microsoft Office and CRM systems. Valid driver's licence, willingness to travel to mines and industrial sites, and strong written and verbal communication. ADVANTAGEOUS EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS Technical qualification in mechanical, electrical, mining, fire engineering or a related discipline. Direct exposure to vehicle suppression, trackless mobile machinery, special-risk protection or industrial fire detection. Experience with substations, transformers, generators, conveyors or forestry machinery. Manufacturer\/product training, awareness of applicable safety standards and an established industrial customer network. KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES Confident prospecting, disciplined follow-up, consultative selling and long-term account management. Technical aptitude, practical problem-solving and the ability to engage engineers and operations teams. Strong negotiation, presentation, commercial judgement, quotation accuracy and attention to detail. Self-motivation, organisation, accountability, independence and effective co-ordination with technical colleagues. PERFORMANCE MEASURES Sales revenue and gross profit against agreed targets; new customers won and existing accounts developed. Qualified pipeline value, quotation conversion, forecast and record accuracy. Customer retention, repeat business, quality of project handovers and timely resolution of issues. SCOPE OF TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITY The representative identifies customer requirements and co-ordinates proposed solutions. System design, technical approval, installation certification and commissioning must be performed by appropriately qualified and authorised personnel. Salary offer: Negotiable