Regional Sales Director

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About the role

Job Summary

Overall co-ordination, functional management, and leadership of all the Services Division’s sales activity needs of the Company's customers within Sub-Saharan African Region in order to meet the objectives of the company's overall business plans and strategies.

Overall co-ordination, functional management, and leadership of all the Company’s tendering activities. Effective co-ordination with the Flow Division to align sales initiatives with the company’s objectives and ensure sustainable business growth.

Main tasks and responsibilities

1. Sales Strategy Development and Execution:

a. Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy to achieve business goals and revenue targets.

b. Coordinate specific objectives of the Sales Strategy with regards to the assigned functional area, liaising with relevant departments of the company.

c. Identify new market opportunities, trends, and emerging markets to drive business expansion.

d. Set quarterly and annual sales goals, forecasts, and performance metrics.

e. Effective client contact, relationship building, and management processes are in place (including acting on feedback from Customer Satisfaction Surveys) to positively influence the client and create a pre-disposition to view Sulzer as the preferred source of supply.

f. Application of Sulzer sales and commercial policies, procedures, codes of conduct and best practice guidelines

2. Team Leadership and Management:

a. Lead, coach, and mentor the sales team to ensure high performance and continuous development.

b. Conduct performance evaluations, set clear KPIs, and provide actionable feedback.

c. Collaborate with HR on recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new sales team members.

3. Revenue Growth and Client Relationship Management:

a. Drive revenue growth by expanding the client base, maximizing customer retention, and improving client satisfaction.

b. Build and nurture strong, long-lasting relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders.

c. Lead negotiations, secure high-value deals, and manage complex sales cycles.

4. Collaboration and Cross-Functional Alignment:

a. Work closely with marketing, product development, and customer service to align sales efforts with overall company objectives.

b. Collaborate with the finance team to set accurate sales budgets and forecasts.

c. Ensure consistent communication and alignment across the business on sales initiatives.

d. Review tenders and manage tendering process with the Head of Tendering.

e. Ensure that handover meetings and documentation are effective and result in a smooth transition from pre to post order status.

5. Market and Competitor Analysis:

a. Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform sales strategies.

b. Conduct market research and analysis to identify new business opportunities and potential growth areas.

6. Reporting and Performance Tracking:

a. Develop and present regular sales performance reports to senior management, highlighting key insights, challenges, and successes.

b. Use data and analytics to track performance and optimize sales processes and approaches.

c. Ensure the sales team leverages CRM systems effectively for pipeline management and tracking.

7. All other duties as relevant to the position.

Qualifications/Experience and Knowledge Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering or a related field (MBA preferred).

• Proven experience (8+ years) in sales management, with a strong track record of meeting or exceeding targets.
• Experience in rotating equipment industry is preferred.

• Strong background in managing high-performance sales teams.

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Data-driven approach to decision-making and performance analysis.
• Proficient in CRM software and sales management tools.
• P&L Experience

• General computer skills

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to travel as required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and drive.

Competencies and behaviour required (What strengths needed?)

• Communication skills
• Negotiating skills
• Influencing and persuasion skills
• Relationship management skills
• Staff management skills
• Commercial acumen
• Customer service skills
• Cultural awareness
• Organisation skills
• Ability to act independently
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to change
• Attention to detail
• Mentoring and coaching

Decision accountability (What is within the jobholder's accountabilities)

Own

• Resource allocation, cost centre management
• Training requirements and plans
• Tendering

Shared

• Resource levels
• Annual Sales Targets
• GP levels for Region Sub Saharan Africa

Financial

• Delegation of authority as per defined DOA

What we offer you

Medical Aid

Provident Fund

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.