Inside Sales Specialist

At ZIM, we’re creating a buZZ in global shipping innovation, and looking for dedicated professionals to help us reach new horizons. Join a dynamic, inclusive team who will challenge you to grow, and support you every step of the way.

With ZIM, you’ll hear the difference, feel the difference, and be the difference – as we make waveZ across the globe.

Main Purpose of the role:

Support Account Owner efficiently and effectively in day-to-day operations, act as internal point of contact for customers, handle customers’ requests, and manage back office related activities

Major Areas of Responsibility:

Builds and maintains customers’ relationships through prompt service and troubleshooting assistance. Inputs new customer data, other sales data for current and new customers into CRM. Compiles lists of prospective customers for use as sales leads, based on information from CRM sales leads system, ad inquiries, trade shows, direct mail responses, card deck leads, aged leads, business directories, Internet Web sites, and other sources, i.e. Datamyne & PIERs. Makes outbound lead follow-up calls to potential and existing customers by telephone and e-mail (to qualify leads for Sales Account Executives).

Main Tasks:

• Research and prepare material for customer meetings: past performance and forecast, needs solutions, issues, opportunities, financials, etc.
• Prepare, update and send quotations (including rate requests from other ZIM departments/agencies)
• Prepare and send approved proposals and contracts
• Support Account Owner in Sales Targets and Booking Forecast processes
• Prepare materials for weekly meetings with Sales Director and the sales team
• Develop relationships with relevant contacts from the customer side
• Assist in solving and follow-up on customer issues and complaints
• Provide customers with administrative information on their account
• Forward and follow-up telephone and email inquiries to other departments within ZIM
• Inform customers on changes in different topic such as: rates, schedule, new shipping methods, etc.
• Schedule meetings with existing and potential customers and occasionally join them
• Cargo readiness follow up: perform daily and/or weekly follow up on future bookings under respective AO portfolio to ensure customers are performing as per their forecast and if not, that our systems are updated accordingly
• Compile lists of prospective customers for use as sales leads based on information from ZIM and other websites, external databases, and inquiries, trade shows, aged leads, business directories, etc.
• Identify and reach out to existing customers and prospects when new services / promotions are relevant
• Make outbound lead follow-up calls to potential and existing customers by telephone and e-mail (to qualify leads for Account Owners)
• Input/update contracts and agreement in the system and communicate to affected parties
• Update, maintain and ensure accuracy of customers’ information in CRM and other IT systems
• Update account plans/profiles according to Account Owners’ input

#ZIMUSA #BeTheDifference #ZIMcareers

REQUIREMENTS

• Academic education. Economics/ Business Management/ Marketing/ Logistics/ International Negotiation - Advantage

• Minimum 2 years of proven experience in sales or marketing position

• Working experience in a local FFW / global company / shipping industry - required

• Proficient in MS Office, Excel in particular

• Excellent control of country’s local language. Good control of English language (Speaking, reading and writing)