Senior Business Development Manager (Automotive)

SUMMARY:
This role is focused on solution sales within the automotive, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. The successful candidate will be responsible for promoting and selling the company's current and future technology and service offerings, including returnable packaging solutions. As part of a dynamic and collaborative team, this position will contribute to a smarter, more sustainable future through business innovation.

The role reports to the Executive - Client Experience and is responsible for securing new clients nationally.

POSITION INFO:
Our client in the Packaging Industry is looking for a Senior Business Development Manager that has automotive experience to join their team in Pretoria, Centurion.

Responsibilities

• Deliver an exceptional level of service to both existing and prospective customers.
• Assist customers in understanding company products and identify tailored solutions to meet their needs while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Generate sales opportunities and implement strategies for the company's automotive technology solutions.
• Engage in consultative selling with a business solutions approach.
• Prospect and secure new clients to achieve annual sales targets.
• Identify and capitalize on returnable packaging supply opportunities.
• Develop opportunities with automotive OEMs and their supplier base.
• Understand customer needs and effectively communicate them to internal teams to enhance solution adoption and development.
• Achieve targets as per the annual sales budget.
• Conduct market research to identify qualified leads and execute strategic sales approaches.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Prepare customized bid proposals and conduct bid presentations.
• Contribute to marketing materials, customer RFI responses, proposals, and quotations.
• Identify and qualify potential leads to build a strong sales pipeline through networking, conferences, and industry events.
• Collaborate with the product development team to provide market feedback and ensure continuous improvement of digital solutions.
• Stay informed about the company's product and service offerings, as well as industry developments, to enhance customer outcomes.
• Work closely with key account management and internal teams to implement best practices for customer solutions.
• Liaise regularly with large key customers.
• Prepare and report on monthly sales figures, including variance analysis.
• Ensure timely follow-up and ongoing sales relationship management with clients in the automotive sector.
• Supervise and manage resources effectively to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Provide product expertise and support within the team.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the business.
• Facilitate resolution of customer complaints by coordinating with relevant departments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal customer satisfaction.
• Drive sales and foster long-term partnerships with clients.
• Identify opportunities for product improvements or new solutions by staying updated on industry trends, market activities, and competitor strategies.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops, exhibitions, trade shows, and industry events, as well as reviewing relevant publications and networking with industry professionals.

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification to support the job requirements.
• At least five (5) years of industry sales experience, with a minimum of three (3) years in the automotive supply chain sector.
• At least five (5) years of experience in business development, product management, strategic development, or key account management within a technology-based business in the automotive industry.
• Practical experience in value-based selling.
• Sound understanding of technologies such as web and mobile applications, handheld scanners with RFID/barcode readers, BTLE devices, fixed RFID readers/antennas, IoT instruments, GPS tracking devices, and custom factory/WMS data interface systems.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong ability and willingness to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Willingness to travel nationally as required.
• Proven track record of closing successful deals and exceeding sales targets.
• Ability to analyse customer requirements and position tailored solutions that demonstrate the value of company offerings.
• Strong proposal writing and reporting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple sales projects effectively.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Self-motivated, competitive, confident, and persuasive.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Strong customer orientation and ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Proven ability to negotiate and close deals efficiently.
• Creativity and a passion for sales.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solution-driven mindset.
• Strong problem-solving, team-building, planning, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to motivate and inspire colleagues.
• Target-driven with a positive, results-oriented attitude.