External Sales Representative Print & Packaging – Career Perks and Real-World Experience

Seeking an opportunity in sales within the print and packaging sector? The External Sales Representative position promises a full-time, permanent role with a strong commission structure and perks for high achievers. The job offers the chance to work in a driven team, perfect for professionals with a solid sales record or expertise in packaging, printing, or FMCG. A tertiary qualification is beneficial, as is being proficient in Microsoft Office. Ambition and great negotiation skills are essential, along with a valid driver’s licence to manage client visits.

Responsibilities & Daily Experience

This role places you at the forefront of sales, requiring frequent client engagement and travel. Exceeding monthly target quotas is expected, with accountability for managing the sales cycle from quoting to delivery and after-sales service. Another key task involves identifying business development avenues, reporting on sales activity, and tracking market trends. You’ll spend your days presenting technical solutions, supporting client queries, and attending relevant industry events for brand representation. Contract handling and relationship management complete the core set of responsibilities.

Daily interactions include gathering client requirements, creating tailored print and packaging solutions, and supporting every phase from quotation to delivery for a seamless customer experience. Ultimately, you’ll be the main contact for new and longstanding clients. Submission of regular progress reports to management forms an important part of accountability, ensuring transparency about the sales pipeline and ongoing projects. You’ll be encouraged to learn, adapt, and pursue growth strategies to keep pace with industry advances.

Job Pros – Career Growth & Incentives

One big highlight of this position is its focus on career development, offering exposure to industry workshops, technical training, and opportunities for upskilling. Excellent sales performance directly translates to financial rewards, as strong performers regularly benefit from commission-based incentives. Another advantage lies in the ability to cultivate your sales skills in a specialised sector, where building trust-based client relationships is highly valued. Working with a well-established recruiter brings brand stability, credibility, and ongoing support to help you reach your targets.

Further, the variety in client interactions means each day feels fresh. Problem solving and product solution design empower you to see tangible results from your hard work, which can lead to a deeper sense of job satisfaction.

Job Cons – Potential Challenges

This role can be demanding, especially for those new to juggling multiple client accounts at once. Pressure is part of the environment given the monthly targets and the need to maintain high standards of client satisfaction. Extensive travel may also be required to service existing clients and hunt for new business, which could impact work-life balance for some candidates. Additionally, as the role expects performance reporting and pipeline management, time management and administrative skills are a must.

Those without prior packaging or print experience may face a steeper learning curve, especially when delivering technical support to clients. Adapting quickly is key, so being a fast learner with a proactive attitude will help ease these challenges.

Our Verdict

The External Sales Representative position is best for ambitious applicants who relish a dynamic sales environment and thrive on client interaction. If you are looking for a rewarding career that offers concrete targets and clear professional development support, this role is a strong choice. The blend of sales, technical advice, and strategic thinking is ideal for goal-oriented individuals ready to grow in a rapidly developing industry.