Head of Sales

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree or National Diploma in Sales, Marketing, Business Management, Engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in automotive sales/ commercial management
• Proven experience within automotive component manufacturing
• Strong OEM customer network within South Africa
• Demonstrated experience in business development and customer relationship management
• Experience dealing with RFQs, pricing negotiations, and commercial agreements
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing environments and supply chain dynamics
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Willingness to travel as required 

ADVANTAGEOUS

• Experience working with international automotive groups
• Exposure to APQP/ program management processes
• Understanding of OEM launch and production environments
• Existing relationships with OEMs such as Volkswagen Group South Africa, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, Toyota South Africa Motors, BMW Group South Africa, or Mercedes-Benz South Africa

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Relationship-building ability
• Commercial acumen
• Strategic thinking
• Negotiation skills
• Influencing and networking capability
• Customer-focused approach
• Leadership and decision-making ability
• Results-driven mindset 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the commercial and business development function for the company by strengthening OEM customer relationships, identifying new business opportunities, driving sales growth, and positioning the business as a preferred supplier within the automotive manufacturing sector
• Business development and growth
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities with OEMs and Tier 1 automotive customers
  • Drive RFQ, quotation, and commercial negotiation processes
  • Develop and implement strategic sales and business development plans
  • Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and industry developments
  • Support growth initiatives aligned to company objectives and localisation strategies
• Customer relationship management
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key OEM customers and stakeholders
  • Act as the primary commercial contact for strategic customers
  • Strengthen customer engagement and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction
  • Conduct regular customer visits and business reviews
  • Proactively address commercial concerns and support problem resolution
• Commercial and strategic leadership
  • Lead commercial negotiations relating to pricing, contracts, and supply agreements
  • Support profitability targets through strategic pricing and cost recovery initiatives
  • Collaborate with operations, engineering, quality, and program management teams to ensure customer expectations are met
  • Participate in strategic planning and support long-term business sustainability
• Sales and program coordination
  • Oversee customer forecasts, volumes, and sales performance
  • Support launch activities for new programs and engineering changes
  • Ensure effective communication between customers and internal departments
  • Monitor sales KPIs and prepare management reports