Customer Manager | Johannesburg | Permanent | Hybrid

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Are you a commercially driven relationship builder who thrives in high-value B2B environments? Join a premium global speaker bureau where strategic conversations, executive engagement, and business growth sit at the heart of every customer interaction. Our client is seeking an experienced Customer Manager to take ownership of strategic corporate relationships, drive new business development, and help scale a respected founder-led business. This is far more than a traditional account management role. You will work closely with senior decision-makers across HR, marketing, leadership, learning and development, and conference functions to deliver impactful speaker and event solutions while creating long-term commercial value. This role combines strategic account growth, consultative selling, pipeline management, and executive-level relationship building. The successful candidate will confidently navigate complex sales cycles, identify and advance new opportunities, and contribute to a disciplined, high-performance commercial culture. Our client is a respected international organisation operating within the professional events and leadership space. They partner with leading corporations, conference organisers, thought leaders, and keynote speakers to create impactful experiences that inspire audiences and drive meaningful outcomes. What You'll Do • Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic corporate accounts • Build relationships with senior stakeholders across HR, marketing, leadership, learning and development, and conference functions • Lead consultative conversations around conference strategy, themes, and speaker positioning • Identify, qualify, and advance opportunities through the full sales cycle • Drive new business development within medium and large organisations • Maintain strong pipeline management, forecasting accuracy, and CRM discipline • Partner with leadership on key strategic opportunities and major accounts • Collaborate with operations, marketing, and project teams to ensure exceptional customer delivery • Act as a trusted advisor and brand ambassador within the market What You Bring • 5–8+ years of successful B2B sales, business development, or relationship management experience • Strong track record selling premium or professional services solutions • Experience engaging with senior executives and corporate decision-makers • Strong commercial acumen and ability to move opportunities through complex sales cycles • Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills • Experience within consulting, executive education, events, media, sponsorship, training, or related sectors advantageous • Strong CRM, pipeline management, and forecasting capability • Self-driven, proactive, and highly accountable approach to work • Matric essential; relevant tertiary qualification advantageous • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and CRM platforms What Success Looks Like • Sustainable growth across strategic customer accounts • Increased pipeline quality and improved conversion rates • Strong executive-level relationships with key customers • Consistent achievement of agreed sales and growth targets • Contribution to a scalable and commercially accountable culture • Successful acquisition of new customers and expansion opportunities