Head Of Account Management

Edge Executives; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A corporate travel management firm is seeking a Head of Account Management specializing in government travel. This role involves setting strategies to grow revenue and maintain key client relationships within the South African public sector. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in travel management, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to engage stakeholders effectively. The position offers a hybrid working model with national travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in travel management or related sector.
• 5+ years in management with exposure to senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of the South African public sector environment.

Responsibilities

• Set the account management strategy and growth agenda.
• Drive profitability and ensure client revenues meet expectations.
• Serve as senior brand ambassador and engage with strategic clients.

Skills

Relationship building

Sales growth

Complex issue resolution

Communication

Leadership

Education

Relevant degree

Job description

Head of Account Management – Government Travel

Location: South Africa (Hybrid; national travel as required)

Type: Permanent

Remuneration: Market?

Related: Grow a trusted brand in a complex sector.

Lead key accounts, payments and performance to new heights.

About the Role

As Head of Account Management, you'll provide senior leadership to a specialist government focused travel management division.

Your mandate

Protect and grow revenue, strengthen key client relationships, reduce payment risk, and position the brand for sustainable expansion.

You'll set the account strategy, shape budgets, and coach account teams to deliver measurable value—balancing commercial discipline with service excellence.

You’ll partner closely with the SVP / MD, Finance and functional heads on initiatives that streamline payment processes, minimise bad debt, and improve profitability.

You’ll also keep a forward view on policy and legislative shifts, ensuring clients and internal teams are prepared for market changes.

Who the Client Is

A recognised corporate travel management group with a dedicated division serving the public sector.

The organisation is known for its governance, stakeholder depth and ability to manage complex payment cycles while delivering safe, compliant and cost effective travel programmes.

What You'll Do

• Set the account management strategy and growth agenda for the division; compile sales and revenue budgets and track delivery.
• Drive profitability: ensure client revenues and margins meet expectations; apply the focus to protect and grow top accounts.
• Streamline and simplify payment processes with government clients; implement controls that minimise poor payment and bad debt risk.
• Serve as senior brand ambassador: engage at executive level with strategic clients and partners; represent the division at events and seminars.
• Monitor political, economic and legislative developments; brief clients and internal leaders on likely impacts and mitigation plans.
• Ensure client servicing aligns with the Code of Business Conduct and contractual obligations; review and refine SLAs and presentations.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to sharpen brand positioning and support potential regional expansion opportunities.
• Build strong internal partnerships across Client Services, Finance, Marketing, Yield / Procurement; run effective monthly product and performance forums.
• Lead and develop account teams: coaching, performance management and talent retention; foster a high standards, clientcentric culture.
• Produce accurate, timely reports and insights for the SVP / MD, Finance Director and Group leadership; execute ad hoc strategic tasks as required.

What You Bring

• Relevant degree (commercial focus advantageous); TMC / GDS qualifications a plus.
• 5–10 years' experience in travel management or a closely related sector; 5+ years in management with exposure to senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of the South African public sector environment, including payment terms and applicable legislation.
• Proven strength in relationship building, sales / account growth, and resolving complex, cross-functional issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; confident delivering executive level presentations and tender inputs.
• High stamina and resilience with flexibility for evening / weekend client engagements and travel as needed.
• Inclusive, collaborative leadership that develops teams and supports diverse perspectives.

What Success Looks Like

• Revenue and margin growth across priority accounts with clear, board ready reporting.
• Material improvement in collections and days sales?
• Outstanding bad debt and write?
• Strong retention of top tier clients; expanded stakeholder maps with multi-level sponsorship.
• Higher SLA compliance and client presentations; positive audit and compliance outcomes.
• A motivated, high performing account team with clear succession and development plans.
• Proactive market and legislative insights shaping client strategy and risk posture.

Realistic Preview: Rewards & Challenges

This is a hands‑on leadership role in a nuanced, payment complex segment.

Expect demanding stakeholders, after‑hours functions and intricate governance.

The upside is meaningful impact

Stronger public sector partnerships, healthier cash cycles and a visible growth story you'll help write.