External Account Manager: Commercial

Pinnacle; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinnacle, a leading ICT solutions provider in South Africa, seeks an External Account Manager to drive growth in the Cape region. You will build and nurture long-term client relationships, identify new business opportunities, and act as the main contact for customers to ensure their needs are met.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of external sales experience, strong IT product knowledge, and proven ability to close deals in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of External Sales experience.
• Minimum 3 years of account management experience within the Commercial sector preferred.
• Experience in distribution is advantageous.
• Established network within reseller and end-user sectors.
• Sales experience in IT industry will be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of IT Enterprise products is essential.

Responsibilities

• Achieve monthly sales targets.
• Drive quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year growth.
• Establish and grow new client base within the Commercial sector.
• Maintain client relationships through regular visits and interaction.
• Develop sales plans aligned to specific accounts.
• Respond to tenders and manage tender administration.

Skills

Sales experience

Account management

Negotiation

Closing deals

Communication

Presentation skills

Time management

Education

Matric

Diploma in Sales/Marketing/IT

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

The External Account Manager is a key driver of business growth within Pinnacle's Commercial Sales Division, specifically in the Cape region. This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with customers, ensuring their needs are met, and expectations are exceeded. By serving as the primary point of contact for clients, the External Account Manager will foster trust and loyalty, while also identifying new business opportunities to expand Pinnacle’s customer base.

With a focus on driving revenue growth, this position requires a deep understanding of the company’s products and services, along with a keen awareness of market trends and competitor activities. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in sales or account management, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, target-driven environment. Success in this role will contribute significantly to the overall growth and success of the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Achieve monthly sales targets
• Achieve Quarter on Quarter and Year on Year Growth
• Establish and grow a new client base within the Commercial sector
• Maintain new and existing client relationships by regular visits and interaction
• Develop sales plans in line with specific accounts
• Respond to tenders and facilitate the tender administration process
• Manage the sales process
• Maintain current client database and forecasts
• Deliver product presentations and entertain clients
• Generate sales leads and constant follow ups on pipeline opportunities
• Identify sales opportunities to market products and the company
• Compilation of all quotations – with the aid of an internal sales resource
• Following up on quotes and converting to orders
• Attend product training and events
• Processing and administration of relevant sales documentation
• Keep up to date with relevant product knowledge and training

Requirements

Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in External Sales
• Minimum of 3 years of account management experience within the Commercial sector is preferred
• Experience in distribution is advantageous
• Established network at various levels within the reseller and end-user sector
• Sales experience within the IT industry will be advantageous
• Strong knowledge of IT Enterprise products is essential

Skills and Education

• Matric, preferably with mathematics
• A tertiary qualification and/or a relevant diploma in Sales, Marketing, or IT will be an advantage
• Intermediate skills in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Proven sales skills/ability with a strong ability to close deals
• Excellent verbal and written business communication skills
• Good presentation skills
• Well-developed negotiation skills for closing sales and securing deals
• Good time management and organizational abilities; deadline-driven and capable of managing a high workload
• Technology-driven with a passion for leveraging tech solutions

Personal Attributes and Qualities

• Well-groomed and highly presentable
• High attention to detail
• Passionate about sales
• Competitive in nature
• Problem solver
• Assertive
• Positive
• High level of energy
• Confident
• Self-driven
• A high level of perseverance
• Patient, tolerant and diplomatic
• Ability to work as part of a team

Benefits

Pinnacle is for people who want more than just a job. It’s a place to get involved, try new things, build your skills and take your career further.

With more than 30 years in the ICT industry, Pinnacle offers the opportunity to work alongside talented people, gain exposure to leading technology brands and be part of a business that continues to evolve with the industry.

You’ll work with great people, get hands-on experience with some of the biggest names in technology and have opportunities to learn, train and take on new challenges along the way.

Whether you’re starting your career or ready for your next challenge, Pinnacle is a place where you can contribute, make an impact and build what comes next.

You’re not simply joining a company. You’re joining a team where you can learn, grow and build a career.