Head of Sales, Pretoria

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

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