Lauren Joanne Smith

• Senior Sales Executive – Costa Lambrianos Head Office
• Sales Consultant / Brand Assistant – Natela Importers (Ferrero Rocher Division)
• Sales Consultant – Pureau Fresh Water Company (Bidvest)
• Sales Manager – Technopop
• Account Manager & Retail Marketing Co-Coordinator – Comztek Systems (Division of Mustek)
• Retail Marketing Co-Coordinator – Workgroup (Division of Siltek Retail)
• Consistently exceeded targets, drove retail growth strategies, strengthened brand visibility, and managed full sales and client servicing cycles.

• Lead growth strategy within the hospitality and restaurant sector across North Johannesburg and greater Gauteng.
• Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
• Manage and grow a portfolio of 300+ restaurants, overseeing Gauteng regional teams assisting General Manager.
• Drive strategic partnerships with high-profile hospitality groups including Tasha Group, Olives and Plates Group, Saxon Hotels, Pizza Hut Group, Kauai Group, Tigers Milk, and Laparada.
• Achieving 5 – 25 new customer acquisitions within one month, with continued acquisition momentum.
• Implement structured upselling and cross-selling strategies to increase average transaction value.
• Develop and execute targeted marketing campaigns to accelerate revenue growth.
• Negotiate pricing structures and introduce optimized delivery routes to improve cost efficiency and accessibility.
• Lead automation enhancements, application integration, and streamlined invoicing processes.
• Analyze monthly growth reports and implement data-driven decision-making frameworks.
• Strengthen customer retention through loyalty programs, competitions, and proactive engagement initiatives.
• Propose and develop Customer Advisory Panel initiatives to enhance strategic collaboration.
• Partner with General Manager to set and achieve performance targets and operational improvement plans.

• Managed key accounts across Pretoria, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga regions.
• Developed and executed regional account growth strategies.
• Delivered executive presentations, live demonstrations, and client training.
• Generated new revenue within allocated portfolios through strategic upselling.
• Negotiated contracts while ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
• Produced forecasts, performance reports, and strategic reviews for Regional Management.
• Collaborated cross-functionally to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Oversaw full client lifecycle from onboarding to long-term retention.

• Consistently exceeded corporate sales targets through pipeline optimization.
• Conducted executive-level presentations and solution demonstrations.
• Expanded corporate client database through targeted prospecting and networking.
• Performed competitor analysis to refine positioning and strategy.
• Balanced new business acquisition with long-term relationship management.
• Monitored KPIs and sales metrics to maximize performance outcomes.

Interacted with hygiene companies in Johannesburg through calls, arranged meetings with buyers to promote Costa Lambrianos products, and delivered necessary information and training to drive sales.
Proactively supported buyers in making informed purchase decisions, kept them updated on campaigns, and negotiated special deals to maintain competitiveness. Shared insights and feedback with internal teams to enhance product/service offerings and improve sales effectiveness.
Worked closely with the admin team to ensure smooth processing of client orders and availability of stock, while maintaining daily communication with clients via visits, phone calls, and emails, and providing price lists and quotes, Provided exceptional customer service and support throughout the sales process and beyond.
Offered continuous product support, engaged in tender processes, and consistently surpassed the monthly sales target through proactive sales strategies and effective client relationship management.

Over achieved Sales Target Monthly

• Managed dealer network across South Johannesburg.
• Increased regional market share through relationship-driven strategy.
• Delivered training to dealership sales teams and financial managers.
• Implemented incentive programs and marketing initiatives.
• Maintained structured weekly call cycles to drive sustained growth.

• Specialized in corporate fleet tracking solutions.
• Surpassed revenue targets through proactive lead generation.
• Managed full sales cycle including quoting and contract closure.
• Represented company at conferences and industry events.

• Managed full sales lifecycle from prospecting to closing.
• Maintained CRM integrity and reporting compliance.
• Delivered tailored business solutions aligned to client requirements.