Smate & Smate UK Ltd is the company behind Obiji Foods UK, a growing brand distributing premium Nigerian and West African food products — including Garri, Palm Oil, Peppersoup Spice, and Bitter Leaf — to African shops, restaurants, caterers, and community buyers across the United Kingdom.
We are expanding into the East and West Midlands and are looking for a reliable, people-oriented Field Sales Driver to join our team on a self-employed, flexible basis.
What the role involves
You will drive our Vauxhall Combo van across the East and West Midlands on a regular weekly route, visiting African and Nigerian food shops, restaurants, and caterers. You will introduce our products, take orders, build customer relationships, and deliver stock. You will also attend Nigerian and West African community events, festivals, and market fairs — setting up and manning the Obiji Foods UK stand and selling directly to the public on the day.
Your responsibilities
- Drive the company van safely and professionally across your designated Midlands route
- Visit African and Nigerian food retailers, restaurants, wholesalers, and caterers
- Pitch and sell the Obiji Foods UK product range and take orders on the day
- Deliver stock and collect payments in line with company procedures
- Build a book of regular, repeat-buying customers on your route
- Attend and represent the brand at Nigerian and West African community events
- Set up and man the Obiji Foods display stand at events and festivals
- Submit daily activity reports and a weekly sales summary via WhatsApp
Pay and earnings
- £12.21 per hour while driving and on active duty
- 5% commission on all verified sales you generate
- Fuel costs for work routes covered by the company
Realistic weekly earnings range from £270 to £500+ depending on hours worked and sales generated. The more you sell, the more you earn.
Vehicle
A Smate UK Vauxhall Combo van is provided for all work use. The vehicle is not available for personal use. You must complete a pre-drive check before each use and keep the van clean and secure.
What we are looking for
- Full, valid UK driving licence — essential
- Confident communicator who is comfortable approaching and pitching to shop owners
- Self-motivated and able to work independently on the road without supervision
- Honest and reliable with cash handling, stock management, and daily reporting
- Smartphone with WhatsApp and email for reporting
- Knowledge of the East and/or West Midlands road network
It would be an advantage if you have knowledge of Nigerian or West African food products, existing contacts in the Midlands African retail or catering sector, or experience in van sales, route delivery, or field sales. A connection to the Nigerian or West African community in the Midlands would be a genuine asset in this role.
What we provide
- Full product training before your first route
- Company van with fuel covered for work routes
- Price lists, order forms, product samples, and digital marketing materials
- Weekly support and check-ins from the Smate UK operations team
- A clear growth pathway toward a Lead Field Agent and Regional Distributor role for the right person
Growth pathway
This role is a genuine career opportunity. Consistent performers will be considered for a Lead Field Agent position at the 3-month review, and a Regional Distributor role covering a broader Midlands territory at 6 months, with improved terms and greater autonomy.
How to apply
Apply via Indeed or send your CV with a brief note about yourself — including your driving licence details and any relevant experience — to [email protected] or via WhatsApp to 07376 910 881.
Pay: £12.21 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: On the road
