Sales Director (B2B) Financial Services AI & Machine Learning Solutions

Sales Director: Africa

Location: Johannesburg

R950,000-R1Mil CTC

Seeking a Sales Director for a zero-code AI platform which offers end-to-end data science and machine learning (DSML) solutions to financial services organisations. The Sales Director: Africa will lead and drive revenue growth for the companys platform solutions.

This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in enterprise sales, SaaS, and platform-based business models.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in the analytics and ML domain, including the ability to engage with clients, understand their business challenges, and present tailored solutions. The successful candidate will develop and execute sales strategies, build key client relationships and drive platform adoption and revenue.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in Business with extensive Data Science or related experience.
• 8+ years of experience in the field of data science, or machine learning with at least 5 years in a Sales role.
• Proven track record of leading successful platform sales cycles for complex solutions, with a deep understanding of the sales process.
• Strong understanding of data engineering, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies.
• Strong domain knowledge in developing credit risk scorecards, debt collection scorecards, customer acquisition scorecards etc. for financial services.

Technical Skills:

• Deep knowledge in analytical solutions, predictive modeling, and building analytics pipelines for banking or insurance.
• Strong knowledge of big data technologies, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and analytics tools.
• Familiarity with emerging trends in artificial intelligence, deep learning, NLP, and automated machine learning.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present to executives and technical teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to translate technical capabilities into business value.
• Ability to handle complex, high-pressure situations and drive multiple opportunities to successful closures.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Sales Strategy and Execution:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy to achieve revenue targets.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across Financial Services businesses (banks, insurers, lenders and Fintechs).
• Work cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, Pre-Sales and Customer Success teams to ensure delivery of sales goals and company objectives.
• Understand customer pain points and articulate how the platform addresses business challenges.
• Lead contract negotiations and deal structuring to close high-value agreements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with enterprise clients.

Proposal & Bid Management:

• Work with the Pre-Sales and Product teams to:
• Create comprehensive and compelling AI platform proposals, including solution approach, costs, scope and timelines.
• RFP responses, ensuring alignment with client requirements and company capabilities.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure that proposals are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.

Revenue Growth & Forecasting:

• Own and manage sales pipeline, forecasting, and revenue reporting to leadership.
• Utilize data-driven insights to optimize sales performance and identify growth opportunities