Sales Specialist

The Role

We are seeking a driven and technically strong Sales Specialist to grow our footprint within the Protection, Substation Automation, and Transformer Monitoring & Diagnostics markets. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, this role is responsible for expanding the sales pipeline, increasing order intake, compiling competitive quotations and tenders, and building long-term customer relationships across South Africa and selected African markets.

Skills and Experience

What you’ll do:

• Selling of protection and substation automation products within a designated market in South Africa and in selected countries in Africa
• Search for new clients who might benefit from company products or services and maximise client potential in designated regions
• Develop long-term relationships with clients, through managing and interpreting their requirements
• Achievement of the allocated order intake budget
• Prospect development by focusing on qualified potential business and targeting growth
• Assistance with the development of a sales plan, sector analysis and penetration strategy of the relevant market sector
• Development and implementation of accurate call planning
• Interact with the bids and tenders department in the preparation of solicited offers
• Maintenance of relevant administrative functions (CRM tools, prospect lists, forecasts, call lists, etc.)
• Take ownership for the product needs and service delivery to key customers
• Participate in customer meetings and give product and company presentations
• Support development of sales and marketing material
• Calculate client quotations and administer client accounts
• Work on after-sales support services
• Analyse costs and sales and prepare reports for senior management and keep customer records
• Support marketing activities by attending trade shows, conferences and other marketing events
• Liaise with other members of the sales team and colleagues from a range of departments such as design, development, production, purchasing, quality, research and senior company managers
• Assisting the customers with vendor registrations or our credit applications
• Vetting of orders, initiate and follow up on registration of new material codes for ERP
• Liaison with customers with regards to payment terms e.g. COD etc
• To diversify IST customer base. Sell products, solutions and services to existing or new customers for Substation Automation, Protection and Control and Transformer Monitoring and Diagnostics
• Compilation of quotations, tenders and solutions by the required due dates
• Efficient communication to all sales or proposal stakeholders, in particular the customer
• Following up on back orders and communication of any delays to customers
• Continuous feedback to the customer regarding the progress of their order(s)
• Develop and maintain good customer relationships for the future growth of the company
• Following up on technical questions from customers and conducting regular site or customer visits
• Evaluating customer inquiries and technical feasibilities of projects
• Interfacing with the Company’s engineering departments regarding customer requirements and specifications

Your expertise:

• Function related experience: 2-5 years hands-on experience in protection and substation automation product environment
• Knowledge of the substation protection and control products and application thereof.
• GE protection and control product knowledge will be an advantage.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office

Qualifications:

• Matric Certificate
• National Diploma or Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.

Other

Personal attributes:

• Ability to work under pressure and still be effective, must be a fast and accurate worker who is self-motivated and results driven
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Effective people skills, assertiveness, a pro-active disposition
• Willingness to work flexible hours
• Good administration skills with proficiency in Microsoft office and CRM
• A very strong team player with the ability to work independently
• Ability to multi-task: He/she must be able to complete several tasks together and meet up with deadlines

Other information applicable to the job:

• Permanent position
• Location: Pretoria - Kambathi Street, N4 Gateway Industrial Park
• Work environment: 5 days at Office and Client sites
• Travel: Local and International travel as and when required