External Sales Representative – Hygiene & Catering

About the role

We are looking for an External Sales Representative – Hygiene Catering who will be responsible for driving business growth by managing key accounts and identifying and developing new customer relationships within the hygiene and catering sector. This role requires the ability to communicate effectively with clients, understand their needs, and offer tailored solutions that align with the company’s product and service offerings.

The position involves travelling to client sites, attending industry events, and maintaining a presence across the assigned territory, from Nairn to Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Aberdeen and Aviemore.

Responsibilities

Performance measures

• Ability to engage, meet and exceed customer spend conversion rates.Demonstrating consistent sales growth year over year.
• Achieving and maintaining optimal margins on all sales activities.
• Success in securing new business opportunities and maintaining a strong client base.
• Positive customer feedback.
• Timely response to customers.

Sales & Account Management

• Spearhead sales activities for assigned accounts and territories, ensuring exceptional service and product consistency.
• Build and maintain lasting relationships with both current and prospective clients to grow revenue and drive customer and experience satisfaction.
• Track and follow up on leads, referrals, and sales opportunities to secure new business.
• Presenting the sale of company products and services to current and potential clients, including preparation, submission and progression of quotations.
• Plan and prioritise personal sales activities and customer/prospect contact towards achieving agreed business aims, including sales and margins.
• Maintain up-to-date product knowledge to enhance client interactions and business decisions.
• Represent the company at trade shows, events, and product demonstrations to enhance brand presence.
• Share feedback and insights from field activities with internal teams.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams to close deals and ensure smooth transitions from sales to delivery.
• Coordinate special sales initiatives to support company goals
• Efficiency in managing time and sales activities to optimise profitability.
• Controlling costs, optimising pricing and achieving sales revenue and margin goals, with a focus on long-term customer relationships and sustainable profit growth.
• Maintain OEIO, quotations, and pricing.
• Keep the customer account database up to date.
• Resolve client concerns promptly, ensuring customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Performance & Growth

• Meet and exceed sales and margin targets, driving both growth and profitability for the business.
• Plan and prioritise your sales activities to maximise efficiency and success, always aiming for the highest margins.
• Following up on new leads and referrals resulting from field activity.
• Identify sales prospects and contact these and other assigned accounts

Market Intelligence & Product Expertise

• Stay ahead of industry trends and competitor activity to provide insightful feedback and strategic recommendations.
• Represent the company at trade shows, events, and product demonstrations to showcase our offerings and strengthen brand presence.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of products and services to continually improve client interactions.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Collaborate with internal teams to close deals and ensure a smooth transition from sales to delivery.
• Play an active role in coordinating special sales activities and stock reduction initiatives.
• Communicate new product and service opportunities, special developments, information or feedback gathered through field activity to appropriate members of the team.
• Ensure allocated vehicles and equipment is maintained in a clean safe, serviceable, and secure condition.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong communication skills are essential for building and maintaining client relationships, presenting products, and negotiating contracts. Interpersonal skills help in understanding client needs and providing effective solutions.
• Knowledge of the hygiene and catering industry allows for tailored recommendations and a better understanding of market trends.
• Organisational skills are used daily to manage schedules, client meetings, and follow-ups, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Standard level in relevant subject (or equivalent) with typically 1 year’s direct customer sales experience OR 4 years or more of direct customer sales experience.
• Projecting a positive image of the company and its products and services.
• Understand the importance of data accuracy.
• Ability to work within and contribute to a team but also work independently on own.
• Ability to respond positively to new challenges and change.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• A valid UK driving Licence.