MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:To implement appropriate solutions in the form of value propositions to meet or exceed all sales goals, performance quotas and process expectations in the assigned areas.To provide tactical and operational management, supervision and support to the sales teamTo effectively represent the company to customers in such a way that they are consistently satisfied with our service levels and products REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION / TRAINING:BCom Sales/Marketing Degree/Diploma or Textile Engineering/Design Diploma REQ'D MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE:3-5 years' experience in a marketing and sales function that includes coordinating sales teams and managing complex and/or significant customer relationships and key accounts. Sales:Achieve sales targets at established marginsEnsure that orders and contracts are secured and confirmed by customers.Establish and maintain professional relationships with customer and buying teams. Continuously seek new business opportunities with key accounts and other customers where relevantContinuously assess client satisfaction or dissatisfaction and feedback to design and production teams via a combination of written and verbal reportsMonitor competitive context by regular store assessment visitsLiaise with the Brand manager to determine needs Implement ad hoc marketing requests from clients such as signage, display bins, etc.Manage merchandising companies as requiredEnsure accurate tracking and reporting on daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly targets.Copy and distribute contact reports Conduct quarterly and monthly account reviews to view customer performance, areas of growth and opportunityPrepare files/agendas for customer visits to site with all relevant info on loadings, prices, previous correspondence sent, etc Collaborate with the warehouse teams and transport service provider to ensure stock is delivered on time and fullNegotiate and land Pricing without compromising company margins. Product Development:Keep up to date with product fashion trends and present to key accountsParticipate in new product development with production and design activities through preparation of product brief in discussion with the client.Brief customer requirements to Design department. Based on Design department response re-brief if changes required.Obtain customer acceptance of new product or design.Initiate PDA (product development advice) with full product specification.Confirm new PDA details with customer.Liaise with customers regarding product development exception reports and resolve.Advise Customer Services of new products and promotions as and when required.Understand costing and quoting of new products. Stock Management:Ensure accurate stock control for relevant products.Maintain good stock levels.Be aware of and address exception reports from Production Planning.Obtaining forecast from customers and undertake responsibility for setting and achieving forecastsMonitor stock reportsManagement of clearances by ascertaining clearance lists and/or re-negotiating deals with customers where relevant.Liaise on clearances/seconds on a weekly basis for movement to factory shop.Transfer stock to clearance requisition for authorisation. Monitor Order Implementation:On receipt of exception reports from Sales Planning or Customer Services, ensure that the necessary action is taken to resolve the exception and/or advise Customers.Where necessary, assist in resolving customer exception issues such as late deliveries, incomplete orders, etc. General Administration:Attend relevant meetings (Weekly, monthly quarterly)Monitor customer call off of stock in terms of quantities and dates.Liaise with customers regarding deviations from the agreed call-offs.Ensure up-to-date and accurate compliance with administrative requirements.Maintain accurate and up-to-date reporting as scheduled and provide ad hoc reports as required.Customer reviews, monthly sales reports, sales reviewsType meeting minutes and distributeType general correspondence, including price quotes. Knowledge:Business principlesCompany economics (supply and demand)Sales and marketing principles and methodologiesResearch methodologiesThe area market and competitors Skills:Planning and organisationComputer literacy (MS Office and Syspro)Effective verbal and written communicationReport writingInterpersonalLogical thinkingInnovative thinkingProblem solvingDecision-makingAnalytical and evaluative thinkingAchieving sales, profitability, and budget goalsImplementation of sales and marketing strategies AttributesInitiative and assertiveTolerant of stress and pressureAttention to detailDeadline drivenAble to prioritiseAble to leverage technologyOrganisational awarenessMaintaining positive team moraleCommitment to building strong business relationships with customersEffective communication with senior leaders internally and with customersAbility to interface and demonstrate leadership both internally and externallyHigh-energy self-starter as well as collaborative team playerEffective cross functional communication within company and the customer