Sales Representative

Job description

Overview of the role

You familiarise shoppers and chefs with Pesto Princess products within the retail & food services sectors on the Garden Route, driving strategic sales growth. You increase penetration of our product portfolio across key channels, including Spar, Checkers, Pick n Pay, independent retailers, contract caterers, hotels, restaurants, distributors, and industrial kitchens. You build and maintain exceptional customer relationships, upholding the Pesto Princess brand values.

About Pesto Princess Foods 

Pesto Princess manufactures fresh, preservative-free pesto sauces, soups, cooking sauces & dips sold through retail chains and food distributors nationwide. The factory is in a secure business park in the South Peninsula in Cape Town.

Key responsibilities

Sales strategy and execution

• Deliver against regional sales target
• Implement company sales strategies to increase product visibility, volume and profitability
• Identify new business opportunities and acquire new accounts
• Develop channel-specific sales proposals aligned to customer needs and business objectives.
• Merchandise in dedicated stores
• Conduct in-store tastings at approved stores each week

• Customer and account management

• Manage customer portfolios, ensuring high levels of service and engagement.
• Build strategic relationships with perishable managers, chefs, procurement managers, food service directors, and distribution partners.
• Oversee the entire sales cycle—including quotations, pricing discussions, product trials, and range extensions.

• Market and category insight

• Track competitor activity, pricing movements, and broader category trends.
• Provide ongoing feedback based on your field research regarding product innovation, pricing and novel marketing concepts.
• Support the execution of regional promotions, trade shows & product launches.

• Reporting and administration

• Use Skynamo to maintain accurate customer data, call cycles, visit notes and images.
• Ensure compliance with sales processes and procedures, including credit management, contract administration, and pricing structure.

Company culture

Caring is the central company value at Pesto Princess. If you care about the customer, care about producing excellent work & care about the impact the business has on the environment, then this position is for you. Since we will also be caring for you, be prepared to do the extraordinary and have your talents developed.

Required competencies

• Able to make good decisions based on your understanding of retail & food service businesses.
• Able to build strong relationships.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Able to work independently and prioritise effectively.
• Possess a problem-solving mindset, particularly with the challenges of chilled/perishable products.
• Discipline with planning, reporting, and administrative requirements.
• Willing to travel locally using your own safe, reliable vehicle.

Experience and qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience within FMCG, food service, or hospitality, ideally within chilled or fresh categories.
• Proven ability to deliver against commercial targets.
• Experience working with Spar, Checkers, Pick n Pay, distributors or contract catering groups is advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• The ideal candidate would live and work in the Garden Route.

• In line with our Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to candidates from designated groups. 

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Achieve monthly sales targets.
• Achieve new customer sales targets.
• Maintain full orders from all set customers.
• Waste below 3% of achieved sales.
• Complete monthly call cycle.

Posted on 23 Jan 13:39, Closing date 24 Mar