Area Sales Manager

Sulzer; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Sulzer Pumps in South Africa is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to drive growth, expand the installed base, and deliver service solutions that create long-term value for customers.

You will set sales targets, formulate strategies, coach the team, build lasting customer relationships, and collaborate with engineering, service, and marketing to ensure project success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field.
• 7–10 years of progressive sales experience, with 3–5 years in a sales management role.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets and revenue growth.
• Strong leadership and ability to develop a high-performing sales team.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the South African industrial market and customer base.
• Technical understanding of centrifugal pumps and related equipment.
• Proficiency with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and MS Office.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sales plans to expand Sulzer Pumps' customer base in South Africa.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of sales professionals.
• Establish and maintain long-lasting customer relationships and understand their needs.
• Identify new business opportunities and market segments for growth.
• Prepare and present sales proposals, negotiate contracts, and close deals.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to adapt strategies.
• Collaborate with engineering, service, and marketing teams to ensure satisfaction.
• Prepare regular sales forecasts, reports, and budgets for management.
• Ensure compliance with policies and ethical standards.
• Represent Sulzer Pumps at industry events and conferences.

Skills

Sales leadership

CRM Salesforce

Negotiation

Presentation

Communication

Travel willingness

Market knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field

Tools

CRM Salesforce

MS Office

Job description

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

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.