Sales Executive

Sales Executive in Home and Personal Care

Job Ref: JB823 – Cape Town, South Africa

ORCHEM, a part of REDA Chemicals Group

Are you looking for a new challenge?

About the Company

ORCHEM is a leading distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients in South Africa. As a member of the REDA Chemicals Group, one of the leading chemical distributors in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, we bring unique expertise to the industry.

With a strong network and growing presence in South Africa, ORCHEM is the partner-of-choice for world-leading chemical manufacturers entering the South African market. Our focus on specialty chemicals and commitment to excellence make us a trusted name in the industry.

We at ORCHEM are looking for highly motivated go-getters to join our team for the following role:

Title
: Sales Executive

Industry:
Home and Personal Care

Function
: Sales and Business Development

Reporting to:
Business Unit Manager

Location
: Cape Town, South Africa

About the Job

As a Sales Executive in Home and Personal Care, you will be responsible for driving sales growth by promoting a specialized portfolio of formulation ingredients used in personal care (skin, hair, body, cosmetics) and home care (fabric care, dish care, hard-surface cleaning, hygiene). Key product categories include surfactants, emulsifiers, emollients, conditioning agents, rheology modifiers, active ingredients, fragrances, builders, chelating agents, disinfectants, enzymes, and encapsulation systems.

You will work closely with R&D, QC, procurement, and production teams to understand formulation needs, support sample evaluations and prototype development, and introduce performance-driven ingredient solutions. The role involves regular customer visits, identifying new business opportunities, delivering technical presentations, and managing a clear sales pipeline. Collaboration with internal supply chain teams will be essential to ensure smooth order processing and strong customer service.

This is a target-driven role suited for a proactive, technically minded sales professional with a passion for product innovation and customer relationship development.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business with personal care manufacturers, home & hygiene producers, and contract manufacturers through site visits, networking, and proactive outreach.
• Promote and sell formulation ingredients based on performance, cost-in-use, and product positioning requirements across personal care and home care applications.
• Work directly with formulation labs to support sample evaluations, stability testing, and prototype development cycles.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with R&D, QC, procurement, and production teams to secure repeat business and foster long-term account growth.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, customer trainings, and commercial proposals tailored to specific projects and applications.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, ensure visibility of the sales pipeline, and provide reliable sales forecasts and progress reports.
• Coordinate with internal supply chain and operations teams to ensure smooth order processing, timely delivery, and strong customer support.

Requirements

• Degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong ingredient sales or formulation lab experience may substitute for formal education.
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in HPC ingredients, formulation, or technical sales.
• Practical understanding of raw material functionality within personal care and home care formulations.
• Existing relationships with local HPC manufacturers will be considered a strong advantage.
• Excellent communication skills, with strong discipline in follow-up and project management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel regionally as required.

Working Conditions

• Field-based role with regular customer visits across the Western Cape and occasional support within the SADC region.
• Flexible working hours aligned to customer requirements and project schedules.
• Office or home-based work for planning, CRM updates, calls, reporting, and technical coordination.

Additional Benefits

• Commission pay
• Opportunities for growth
• Flexible and supportive work environment

Only interested candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to submit their applications.