Commodities Trader (Chemicals)

Description:

My client has two vacancies for a Commodities Trader (Chemicals) at their office in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of at least 5 - 10 years in business development, sales, or key account management. Experience in within the chemical commodity trading sector highly advantageous. Position Overview:
The primary responsibility is to drive market growth, expand the customer base, manage customer relationships effectively, and oversee business operations to build a resilient and sustainable client base.

Duties and Responsibilities
1. Market Growth and Development:

• Conduct market research to identify new business opportunities and market trends.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve sales targets and expand market share.
• Identify potential clients in the target sectors and establish contact to generate new business.
• Monitor competitor activities and adjust strategies accordingly to maintain a competitive edge.

2. Customer Relationship Management:

• Develop and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with top-tier customers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts, ensuring their needs are met promptly and effectively.
• Conduct regular meetings with clients to discuss their needs and provide solutions.
• Handle customer complaints and issues efficiently to maintain high customer satisfaction levels.

3. Sales and Account Management:

• Manage the entire sales cycle from prospecting to closing deals.
• Prepare and deliver sales presentations and proposals to prospective clients.
• Negotiate contracts and terms of agreement with clients.
• Track and report on sales performance metrics, including revenue growth, customer acquisition, and retention rates.

4. Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Collaborate with the senior management team to develop and implement business strategies.
• Analyse market data and customer feedback to refine and optimize sales strategies.
• Prepare annual budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.

5. Team Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, supply chain, and procurement, to ensure seamless service delivery to clients.
• Mentor and support junior sales team members, providing guidance and training to enhance their performance.
• Oversee regional business activities, motivating and guiding the sales team to achieve and exceed targets.
• Review major proposals and service level agreements, ensuring client satisfaction and high service standards.

6. Operational Oversight:

• Assist with budgeting, financial forecasting, and cost management to optimise profitability.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies.

7. Reporting and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of customer interactions and sales activities using CRM software.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key achievements and areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.

8. Technical and Administrative Tasks:

• Utilize advanced Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills to analyze data, create reports, and deliver presentations.
• Manage administrative tasks related to sales and account management, including order processing, invoicing, and contract management.

Requirements

• Proven track record of at least 5 - 10 years in business development, sales, or key account management within the chemical commodity trading sector.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a resilient and sustainable client base.
• Strong understanding of the target sectors: mining, food and beverage, industrial, packaging, water treatment, home care, textiles, and agriculture.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Experience in overseeing regional business activities and leading a sales team.

Requirements:

• Conduct market research to identify new business opportunities and market trends.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve sales targets and expand market share.
• Identify potential clients in the target sectors and establish contact to generate new business.
• Monitor competitor activities and adjust strategies accordingly to maintain a competitive edge.

• Develop and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with top-tier customers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts, ensuring their needs are met promptly and effectively.
• Conduct regular meetings with clients to discuss their needs and provide solutions.
• Handle customer complaints and issues efficiently to maintain high customer satisfaction levels.

• Manage the entire sales cycle from prospecting to closing deals.
• Prepare and deliver sales presentations and proposals to prospective clients.
• Negotiate contracts and terms of agreement with clients.
• Track and report on sales performance metrics, including revenue growth, customer acquisition, and retention rates.

• Collaborate with the senior management team to develop and implement business strategies.
• Analyse market data and customer feedback to refine and optimize sales strategies.
• Prepare annual budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, supply chain, and procurement, to ensure seamless service delivery to clients.
• Mentor and support junior sales team members, providing guidance and training to enhance their performance.
• Oversee regional business activities, motivating and guiding the sales team to achieve and exceed targets.
• Review major proposals and service level agreements, ensuring client satisfaction and high service standards.

• Assist with budgeting, financial forecasting, and cost management to optimise profitability.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of customer interactions and sales activities using CRM software.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key achievements and areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.

• Utilize advanced Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills to analyze data, create reports, and deliver presentations.
• Manage administrative tasks related to sales and account management, including order processing, invoicing, and contract management.

• Proven track record of at least 5 - 10 years in business development, sales, or key account management within the chemical commodity trading sector.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a resilient and sustainable client base.
• Strong understanding of the target sectors: mining, food and beverage, industrial, packaging, water treatment, home care, textiles, and agriculture.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Experience in overseeing regional business activities and leading a sales team.