Sales Director - Africa

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Ookla

South Africa

USD 80 000 - 150 000

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Job description

Ookla is a global leader in connectivity intelligence, offering unparalleled network insights through the combined expertise of Speedtest, Downdetector, RootMetrics, and Ekahau. Ookla’s complementary datasets combine crowdsourced and controlled, public and private collection methods, QoS and QoE metrics, and more to unlock correlations and actionable insights — helping organizations optimize networks, enhance digital experiences, and create better connected experiences for end-users.

Our team is a group of people brought together through passion and inspired by possibility. We are looking for team members who love solving problems, are motivated by challenges, and enjoy turning clever ideas into exceptional products. When you work for us, you are using Ookla’s solutions to advance our mission of better connectivity for all.

We are looking to hire a Sales Director for our Southern & Eastern Africa Sub-Region who will play a pivotal role in executing Ookla’s market development growth strategy across the region. This is a senior commercial role, ideal for a dynamic, highly driven professional who thrives on building trusted relationships, expanding revenue streams, and working at the intersection of sales, strategy, and technology.

In this role, you will lead the business development and account growth efforts across the region, identifying new opportunities while deepening engagement with existing clients. You will act as a key representative of Ookla in the region, developing meaningful relationships across the connectivity ecosystem, including telecom operators, ISPs, regulators, and strategic partners.

You will be responsible for delivering business results through data-driven consultative selling, value articulation, and strong execution. In parallel, you will support the company in creating sales enablement assets—such as case studies, pitch materials, and best practices—that showcase how Ookla’s products empower clients to achieve their connectivity goals.

We are committed to providing a flexible, collaborative, and growth-oriented work environment—where individuality, impact, and passion for excellence are equally valued.

Expectations for Success

Drive revenue growth and market share across the Southern & Eastern Africa sub-region through strategic customer engagement and new business development.

Develop and execute a comprehensive account and territory plan, with the ability to formulate and implement strategic growth initiatives.

Create and articulate compelling value propositions that clearly demonstrate the impact of Ookla’s solutions.

A hands-on sales professional, actively overseeing and contributing to all stages of the sales cycle—from lead generation and solution positioning to proposal development, negotiation, and closure.

Demonstrated success in selling SaaS-based network performance and analytics solutions, with a strong grasp of business strategy.

Exhibit strong leadership capabilities, with a proven ability to drive actions, inspire teams, and align stakeholders to achieve commercial goals.

Possess an established network within the telecommunications ecosystem, including operators, regulators, and strategic partners.

Fluency in English is required; French proficiency is a strong advantage.

Highly collaborative and effective as a team player in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Willingness and flexibility to travel across Africa (50–70%) as part of client and partner engagement.

Responsibilities & Experience We are looking for the right person, not the exact list of requirements. If you believe your life experience has prepared you for similar challenges, we’d like to hear from you.

10+ years of experience in enterprise sales, business development, or commercial leadership roles, preferably in the telecom, technology, or network performance sectors.

Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets in Africa, with strong understanding of B2B and B2G engagement models.

Demonstrated ability to sell SaaS-based network intelligence, analytics, or performance solutions.

Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders across all levels.

Existing network of relationships in the South-East African telco and connectivity ecosystem.

Ability to develop and execute comprehensive account plans, territory strategies, and growth roadmaps.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills with fluency in English; French is a strong plus.

Data-driven and outcome-oriented with a structured approach to pipeline development, forecasting, and reporting.

Willingness to travel extensively across Africa (50–70% travel expected).

Team player, entrepreneurial mindset, and a high degree of accountability.

Benefits

We care deeply about each other and the work we do, and our perks are just one way we demonstrate this. Ookla has great benefits including competitive compensation and paid time off. We make sure you have the best hardware, software and tools available for you to do your work. Visit our Built In Seattle page for even more information on what it's like to work at Ookla. The exact list of benefits will depend on your location.

If you’re passionate about joining the work we’re doing, we welcome your application and encourage applicants with both traditional and non-traditional experience that makes them an excellent candidate for the role. We strongly believe diversity of all kinds makes us better. We are an equal opportunity employer actively working to build an inclusive workforce at all levels of the company. [Read our latest diversity report from our parent company here.] Ookla is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.