Trainee Sales Executive - Co. Offaly

Reporting to the Head of Sales, the Trainee Sales Executive will be an integral part of the sales team. Following a comprehensive product and industry training program, the candidate will help drive the sales of the company's meat products to both local and global markets.

Key responsibilities include developing sales channels, managing accounts, negotiating deals, fostering customer relationships, and ensuring successful sales delivery. The trainee will be deeply involved in day-to-day business operations, ensuring that all available products are sold at optimal prices to premium customers, based on geographical region and product type.

The 18-month Trainee Sales Executive program is designed to provide candidates with a solid, practical understanding of the meat industry. Candidates will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of the production process, from farming to slaughtering and processing, as well as in the value-added activities undertaken by the company.

They will also learn about food safety and regulatory requirements specific to the meat industry, and the logistics involved in transporting products. Upon completion, the trainee will be well-prepared to handle sales, commercial activities, and customer relationship management, with a strong grasp of the global market, product offerings, and customer base.

Responsibilities:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire meat processing process.
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of the industry, including all product options and variations.
• Learn the sales process, commercial agreements, and margin management.
• Maximize value for the business in all sales and contract negotiations.
• Maintain excellent customer relationships with regular phone and in-person communication.
• Identify potential new products in collaboration with the New Product Development (NPD) team.
• Handle sales administration tasks efficiently.
• Act as the sales negotiator for assigned clients and products.
• Deliver on Gross Margin targets on a daily, weekly, and annual basis.
• Achieve forecasted sales volumes by customer and region.
• Participate in the production planning process.
• Ensure price compliance aligns with agreed pricing targets.
• Assist with revenue collection in collaboration with credit management.
• Ensure credit notes are raised weekly following established procedures.
• Confirm order details and pricing with customers upon transaction completion.
• Assist in maintaining the master file within the SAP system.
• Log and follow up on customer complaints to ensure proper resolution.
• Build relationships with potential new customers and monitor competitors.
• Oversee finished goods inventory, both fresh and frozen.
• Ensure compliance with all required documentation as directed by the finance department.
• Maintain regular communication with planning, dispatch, and transport teams to ensure customer requirements are consistently met.

Position Requirements:

• This role is ideal for ambitious individuals who are eager to learn and grow in a commercial sales environment.
• Willingness to learn and develop within a commercial sales setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Good numerical skills.
• Well-organized with attention to detail.
• Strong negotiation and sales abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct thorough research.
• Some previous experience in a business environment is preferred.
• A university degree in a related field is ideal but not mandatory.

Key Stakeholders:

• Head of Sales
• Sales team
• Sales administration team
• Finance department
• Planning team
• Logistics and transport team