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Area Sales Manager

Johannesburg, South Africa

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of Area Sales Manager covering Johannesburg, South Africa, on a contractor basis reporting to the Sales Director. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 6,000 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. 
We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.

JOB SUMMARY: As the Area Sales Manager for Johannesburg, you will bring your PPE and/or workwear sales experience to sell Portwest products to distributors in the territory. As Area Sales Manager you will open new and develop existing distribution channels in this fast-paced outside sales position. You should be able to work well alone and collaborate with the Regional Sales Manager to continue to build upon the company’s success in the region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Build quality business relationships with new and existing accounts
  • Conduct daily face-to-face sales meetings to maintain and develop relationships with distributors and end users throughout your territory
  • Identify new business opportunities and complete sales planning
  • Utilize solutions-based strategies to win new business on a continuous and consistent basis
  • Identify existing customers with high growth potential and create a roadmap for their further development
  • Engage in consultative selling by identifying customers’ needs and providing a Portwest solution to meet those needs
  • Develop clear and effective written proposals/quotations for current and prospective customers
  • Focus on selling new Portwest products by bringing samples to each meeting
  • Ensure effective after-meeting follow-up to close sales
  • Conduct ongoing development of market intelligence, including marketing events such as trade shows, seminars, and exhibitions
  • Drive significant growth into target industry segments and designated channels

REQUIREMENTS:

  • +5 years of PPE, workwear or safety wear sales experience is preferred
  • Experience selling on behalf of a manufacturer, distributor, reseller or agency
  • Proven experience developing distributor networks and opening new markets.
  • Understanding of PPE certification requirements and relevant South African market regulations.
  • Knowledge of importation, product registration and distribution processes within South Africa.
  • Established network within major PPE distributors, industrial supply companies and key end-user industries.
  • Self-starter with the ability to operate independently in a developing market environment.

#LI-AA1

COMPANY AWARDS

  • Great Place To Work 2024 
  • Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
  • Gold Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2026

 

Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.

Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.

 

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