Port Machinery Sales Manager - Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

JeloCorp; Boksburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of port equipment solutions is seeking a Sales Manager based in Côte d’Ivoire to drive commercial growth at the Port of Abidjan. The role requires at least 5 years of experience in capital equipment sales, fluency in French, and strong stakeholder management skills. This position involves strategic business development and managing the entire sales cycle for port machinery.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in capital equipment or port solution sales.
• In-depth knowledge of port handling equipment such as STS cranes and RTGs.
• Existing connections with key entities like Port Autonome d’Abidjan.

Responsibilities

• Identify and convert sales opportunities with port authorities and private terminal operators.
• Lead the end-to-end sales process and negotiate contracts.
• Build and maintain relationships with C-level executives and stakeholders.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Commercial mindset

Fluent in French

Proficient in English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, International Trade, Logistics, or related field

Job description

SUMMARY :
POSITION INFO :

Port Machinery Sales Manager

Location : Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Reports to : Regional Sales – West & Central Africa

Employment Type : Full-time, Permanent

Company Overview

A leading provider of port equipment solutions is expanding its presence across Francophone West Africa. We are seeking a Côte d’Ivoire–based Sales Manager to drive commercial growth at the Port of Abidjan and key regional terminals. The ideal candidate will combine deep market knowledge with strong technical and sales acumen to secure major equipment deals with port authorities, terminal operators, exporters, and groups.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development :

Identify and convert sales opportunities with port authorities, private terminal operators, mining companies, agro-bulk exporters, and major logistics players across Côte d’Ivoire and the wider region.

Sales Cycle Ownership :

Lead the end-to-end sales process—responding to RFQs / RFPs, preparing technical-commercial proposals, conducting product demos, negotiating pricing, and closing contracts in line with annual revenue targets.

Stakeholder Management :

Build and maintain strong relationships with C-level executives, procurement teams, and government stakeholders involved in import regulations, tax / duty exemption schemes, and infrastructure financing.

Project Delivery Coordination :

Collaborate with logistics, service teams to ensure successful delivery, installation, commissioning, and customer acceptance of port machinery.

Market Intelligence & Policy Tracking :

Stay informed on port development projects, competitor activity, and regional legislation affecting port operations and logistics, providing regular strategic insights to company leadership.

Brand Representation & Events :

Represent the company at trade shows such as SITL and African Ports Forum, and deliver customer training sessions, technical workshops, and marketing activations.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, International Trade, Logistics, or a related field.

Minimum 5 years’ experience in capital equipment or port solution sales within Côte d’Ivoire or Francophone West Africa.

Technical & Industry Expertise :

In-depth knowledge of port handling equipment such as STS cranes, RTGs, mobile harbour cranes, and heavy-lift machinery.

Familiarity with operational and technical requirements of port terminals and logistics systems.

Relationships & Network :

Existing connections with key entities such as the Port Autonome d’Abidjan, Bolloré / MSC Terminal, APMT, mining and agro-export companies.

Language & Communication :

Fluent in French (native or professional level) and proficient in English.

Strong negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Other Requirements :

Strong commercial mindset with experience in structuring financing and leasing packages.

Willingness to travel regularly within Côte d’Ivoire and neighbouring countries.

Ivorian citizenship or permanent residency required.