TECHNICAL SALES CONSULTANT - PRINTING & PACKAGING MACHINERY

TECHNICAL SALES CONSULTANT – PRINTING & PACKAGING MACHINERY Location: Milnerton, Cape Town, Western Cape Employment Type: Full-time Salary: R35 000- 50 000 pm Experience Required: 3-5 years in sales, preferably within technical sales, industrial equipment, printing, packaging, or manufacturing.

About the Role Our client is seeking a driven, commercially minded and relationship-focused Technical Sales Consultant to join its team in the printing and packaging machinery industry. The company specialises in supplying advanced printing, labelling and print-finishing machinery, supported by technical service, maintenance and industry expertise. Its solutions help customers improve production efficiency, enhance print quality, reduce waste, optimise manufacturing processes and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. This role is suited to an ambitious sales professional who enjoys engaging with customers, identifying commercial opportunities and presenting technical products and solutions that deliver measurable business value. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing an established customer portfolio while proactively identifying and securing new business. They will develop a strong understanding of the company's machinery and equipment range to educate customers, recommend suitable solutions and build long-term partnerships with clients and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Existing Customer Management

• Manage, service and grow an established portfolio of customers within the printing, labelling, packaging and related manufacturing sectors.
• Maintain regular contact with existing customers to understand their operational requirements, production challenges and future investment plans.
• Build and strengthen long-term relationships through professional communication, consistent follow-ups and reliable service.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing accounts through additional equipment, upgrades, complementary products and technical solutions.
• Ensure customers receive appropriate product information, quotations and support throughout the sales process.
• Maintain customer satisfaction and develop relationships that encourage repeat business and referrals.

2. New Business Development

• Proactively identify, research and approach potential customers to expand the company's client base.
• Generate new sales opportunities through cold calling, prospecting, networking, referrals and direct customer engagement.
• Identify businesses that could benefit from improved printing, labelling, finishing or production machinery.
• Develop and maintain a healthy sales pipeline, ensuring consistent prospecting and follow-up activity.
• Arrange customer meetings, conduct needs assessments and present relevant machinery and equipment solutions.
• Prepare and deliver sales proposals that demonstrate the commercial and operational benefits of the recommended solutions.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms within approved parameters and work towards securing new business.
• Monitor industry developments and market opportunities to identify potential customers and emerging sales prospects.

3. Technical Product Sales and Customer Education

• Develop a thorough understanding of the company's range of printing, labelling and print-finishing machinery.
• Understand the features, capabilities, applications and advantages of the equipment being sold.
• Explain technical product information clearly and confidently to customers, including the operational benefits and potential return on investment.
• Identify customer requirements relating to production capacity, print quality, automation, finishing processes, turnaround times and manufacturing efficiency.
• Recommend suitable equipment and solutions based on customer needs, production environments and commercial objectives.
• Work with internal technical, service and maintenance teams to ensure customers receive accurate product information and appropriate technical guidance.
• Coordinate product demonstrations, technical discussions and customer presentations where required.
• Keep up to date with new technologies, product developments and trends in digital printing, flexographic printing, labelling and finishing equipment.

4. Sales Administration and Pipeline Management

• Prepare accurate quotations, proposals, product presentations and other sales documentation.
• Maintain up-to-date customer records, prospect information, sales activities and pipeline reports.
• Track opportunities from initial enquiry through to negotiation, order placement and delivery coordination.
• Follow up consistently on quotations and outstanding proposals to maximise conversion rates.
• Monitor sales performance against agreed targets and provide regular updates on pipeline activity, forecasts and customer opportunities.
• Ensure sales processes, pricing procedures and internal administrative requirements are followed.
• Communicate effectively with internal departments to support the smooth execution of customer orders.

5. Supplier and Stakeholder Relationships

• Build and maintain professional relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and other relevant industry stakeholders.
• Obtain accurate product specifications, technical information, pricing and availability details when preparing customer proposals.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to respond to customer enquiries and identify appropriate solutions.
• Represent the business professionally during customer meetings, supplier engagements, product presentations and industry events.
• Contribute to a customer-focused sales culture built on product knowledge, responsiveness and long-term commercial relationships.

6. Market Awareness and Continuous Development

• Stay informed about developments in the printing, packaging, labelling and manufacturing industries.
• Understand the competitive landscape, customer investment trends and emerging technologies.
• Identify opportunities where machinery upgrades, automation or improved production processes could benefit customers.
• Develop technical and commercial knowledge through ongoing product training and engagement with industry specialists.
• Share customer feedback and market intelligence with management to support sales planning and business development.