Business Development Specialist

To create focus and negotiate technical orders throughout Sub-Saharan Africa for HV and LV large electric motors and medium voltage VSD's. To support the sales team throughout Sub-Saharan Africa in order to negotiate orders for large motors. To support the Proposals team with technical inquiries to WEN / WDS factories around the world or WDS Africa to offer a sound solution as per customer needs. The area of responsibility includes the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa when the need arises.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Actively promoting the sales of large electric motors and medium voltage VSD's to existing and new customers.
2. Continuously monitor the quote register and develop and action plan / list to close deals on hot opportunities.
3. Assess the market and devise strategies in conjunction with the Sales Manager for growing market share, penetrating new market segments where applicable.
4. Prospect target customers by visiting them, gathering vital data and building relationships with key-decision makers.
5. Obtain information on competitors and their business strategies for selling large electric motors and medium voltage VSD's.
6. To be an expert in "Drop-in Replacements" offerings including measuring of existing motors.
7. Prepare and deliver presentations to customers and consultants that can influence the success of large electric motors sales.
8. Assist Proposals department with technical queries and clarifications.
9. Follow up on quotes and proposals to ensure customer acceptance.
10. Provide fellow sales colleagues with specialist advice, knowledge sharing and coaching to enable colleagues to sell large electric motors.
11. Develop and pursue aggressive sales and business development strategies to ensure growth.
12. Liaise with the various departments within the company to understand capabilities and keep abreast with any new technologies or solutions being developed.
13. Communicate relevant information to colleagues concerning new products and product developments within the company's large electric motor divisions.
14. Assist with product launches, technical presentations and trade shows.
15. Attend regular sales meetings.
16. Actively participate in factory acceptance testing with key customers.
17. Provide monthly feedback for "Hot" sales opportunities.
18. Maintain an updated customer database for CRM initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

A recognized technical tertiary qualification (National Certificate, B.Tech, B.Sc. or similar) or alternatively 5 years relevant experience in the field of HV and large electric motors. Good knowledge of the HV and large motor market in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Computer literacy – good knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and MS Project.

Special Requirements

1. The successful candidate must be a self-motivated, energetic person with both strong people skills and organisational ability.
2. A legal driver's licence.
3. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
4. Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, including formal communications and making presentations.
5. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
6. A sense of urgency with a strong customer service orientation.
7. Willingness and freedom to travel extensively, including overnight stays away from home.
8. The ability to work under pressure.
9. Good problem-solving skills.
10. Ability to work well in a team setting.
11. Be able to negotiate and close deals.

Working Conditions

Both in and out of the office, as the tasks demand. Travel to site throughout Sub-Saharan Africa when the need arises. Is subject to work beyond normal working hours, evenings, weekends and holidays should the need arise.