Head of Sales

The South Africa Sales Department is seeking an experienced and results-driven Head of Sales to lead, develop, and execute the regional sales strategy across South Africa and selected African markets.

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine the regional sales strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Lead, coach, and mentor the sales and accounts team to drive high performance and accountability.
• Set, manage, and monitor sales targets, forecasts, and budgets on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Ensure consistent sales processes, pipeline management, and performance tracking across the team.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, high-value clients, and strategic partnerships across South Africa and Africa.
• Drive market entry and growth strategies for allocated African countries.
• Monitor market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and customer engagements.
• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with key customers and strategic accounts.
• Oversee the full sales lifecycle for major opportunities, from lead generation through to contract negotiation and closure.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction, long-term partnerships, and repeat business.
• Provide senior-level commercial and technical consultation to key clients.
• Work closely with internal sales, order management, finance, engineering, quality, and business development teams to ensure seamless delivery of products and services.
• Ensure alignment between sales commitments and operational execution.
• Support pricing strategies, contract structures, and commercial negotiations.
• Provide regular reporting on sales performance, pipeline health, account status, and market intelligence to top management.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer and sales data within CRM systems.
• Maintain strong governance, compliance, and risk management within sales operations.
• Oversee and, where required, facilitate customer product training and technical presentations.
• Ensure sales teams are equipped with necessary product, market, and commercial knowledge.
• Travel extensively within South Africa and Africa as required to support business development and customer engagement.

• Minimum Grade 12; relevant tertiary qualification required.
• Diploma/Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Trade-tested Fitter qualification will be a strong advantage.
• Minimum 10+ years' proven experience in sales, account management, or business development within the Industrial Gearbox or heavy industrial sector, including senior or leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience in leading sales teams and managing regional or multi-country portfolios.
• Strong commercial acumen with a consistent track record of achieving and exceeding revenue targets.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and sales performance tracking tools.

• Strong leadership, people management, and coaching capability.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with a hands on, execution driven mindset.
• Highly results oriented with strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Self motivated, resilient, and comfortable operating in a highly competitive, target driven environment.
• Enjoys customer engagement, networking, travel, and proactive business development.
• Comfortable with cold calling, prospecting, and opening new markets.

Flender is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.