Area Sales Manager

E302 Sulzer Pumps (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd.; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Sulzer Pumps (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to drive revenue growth in South Africa's industrial pump sector. You will lead and develop the sales team, set targets, and expand our installed base by delivering innovative service solutions that create long-term value for customers.

Collaborate with engineering, service, and marketing to ensure project success, while building strong customer relationships and guiding strategic initiatives to capture market share.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in sales, with at least 3-5 years in a sales management role, preferably within the industrial pumps, rotating equipment, or heavy machinery sector.
• Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets and driving revenue growth.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing sales team.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• In-depth knowledge of the South African industrial market and customer base.
• Technical understanding of centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, and related fluid dynamics principles.
• Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to expand customer base in South Africa.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of sales professionals, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
• Establish and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships, understanding their needs and offering tailored pump solutions.
• Identify new business opportunities and market segments for growth.
• Prepare and present compelling sales proposals, negotiate contracts, and close deals effectively.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to adapt sales strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, service, and marketing teams to ensure customer satisfaction and seamless project execution.
• Prepare regular sales forecasts, reports, and budgets for management review.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Represent Sulzer Pumps at industry events, trade shows, and conferences.

Skills

Sales management

Leadership

Negotiation

CRM (Salesforce)

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business

Tools

Salesforce CRM

MS Office

Job description

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation.

About the role

Job Summary: This role is responsible for driving sales growth, expanding the Sulzer installed base, and delivering innovative service solutions that create long-term value for our customers. This role supports the execution of sales strategies and provides coaching and development to team members. We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Sales Manager to lead and develop our sales team, drive revenue growth, and expand market share for Sulzer Pumps in South Africa. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting sales targets, formulating sales strategies, and fostering strong customer relationships within the industrial pump sector.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve company objectives and expand Sulzer Pumps' customer base in South Africa.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of sales professionals, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
• Establish and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships, understanding their needs and offering tailored pump solutions.
• Identify new business opportunities and market segments for growth.
• Prepare and present compelling sales proposals, negotiate contracts, and close deals effectively.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to adapt sales strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, service, and marketing teams to ensure customer satisfaction and seamless project execution.
• Prepare regular sales forecasts, reports, and budgets for management review.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Represent Sulzer Pumps at industry events, trade shows, and conferences.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in sales, with at least 3-5 years in a sales management role, preferably within the industrial pumps, rotating equipment, or heavy machinery sector.
• Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets and driving revenue growth.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing sales team.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• In-depth knowledge of the South African industrial market and customer base.
• Technical understanding of centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, and related fluid dynamics principles.
• Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within South Africa.

What we offer you

• Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer.
• We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
• We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.
• Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation.
• By supporting water and energy security, enabling the energy transition and driving the use of circular technologies, we help our customers build a better world.
• With more than 13’000 employees and 160 world-class production facilities and service centers across the globe, we are a globally diverse team.
• We value the uniqueness of all our colleagues, and we appreciate the contributions that each of us makes to the company’s success.
• We prioritize your health and safety and are committed to offering a work environment in which you can thrive.