Head of Account Manager - Travel, Sandton

The Role:

Responsible for growing and maximising the business sector of the group in line with the Company's strategy. 

• Provide senior management support in developing and growing the Travel Management brand
• Compile sales/revenue budgets in conjunction with the Head of Client Services
• Ensure that the customer profitability (revenues) is in line with business expectations. Consider the overall strategic impact and value of pursuing particular clients within the Government sector
• Discuss and implement new initiatives in conjunction with the SVP/MD, Finance Director and relevant Head-level management
• Together with Business Development and Finance, streamline and simplify payment processes with Government clients. Minimise poor payment issues and reduce bad debt and similar challenges within this division
• Understand & communicate potential long-term effect of political legislation, economic and market changes and prepare the Company and customers for impact of these changes
• Ensure that all client servicing is conducted in line with the Company's Code of Business Conduct
• Liaise with Marketing and Communications in developing and honing the brand. This may in time develop into exploring expanding the brand outside of the South African market
• Acting as the Brand ambassador for the business. Will be expected to represent the Company at a senior level with strategic clients, together with the relevant Shareholders of the Company
• Engage in key or targeted client activities e.g. training seminars and client events
• Maintain and develop excellent relationships with key customers based on the 80/20 rule i.e. pay special and personal attention to clients that generate 80% of our revenue. Be an active "player" in such customer retention
• Constantly develop and improve customer presentations and material
• Establish and develop strong relationships with all internal personnel associated with portfolio of accounts (Client Services, Finance, Marketing, Yield Management etc.)
• Attend regular monthly product presentations, Finance & Administration and Client Services meetings as and when required
• Provide the SVP/MD, Finance Director and Group Leadership with any ad hoc reports when requested
• Accountable for:
  • SLA revision with clients
  • Recruitment, training and retention of staff within the division (in association with the relevant Shared Service departments)
  • Reporting
  • Exploration of international markets – should this occur
  • High value write-offs
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EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Relevant degree. Preference will be given to commercial qualifications.
• GDS or TMC-specific qualifications - very advantageous
• 5 to 10 years' experience in Travel Management (Travel Industry)
• 5 years' management experience
• Excellent experience dealing with Government Sector

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong processes and procedures. Role will include revising these as needed for the brand
• Ongoing awareness of changes in relevant legislation and regulations. This may require subscription to Government Gazettes and similar publications
• An excellent command of the English language - verbal and written
• Sector awareness – specifically within South African government or related environments
• Awareness of appropriate legislation regarding state-owned and parastatal payments and credit processes
• Excellent relationship building skills with strong commercial awareness
• Sales and business development is a strong part of this position
• Managing a variety of complex issues, both internally and externally
• Must possess a great deal of stamina to maintain frequent evening and weekend work in the process of building strong relationships with our customers and suppliers
• Must be able to work as part of a team with a positive attitude to external and internal forces