Strategic Industrial Accounts Lead

Headhunters; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters in South Africa seeks an experienced commercial professional to identify opportunities, manage key accounts, and drive revenue growth in the chemical sector.

The role focuses on developing tailored solutions, leading negotiations, and building strategic relationships across operational, procurement, and executive levels. Applicants should have 5–7 years' experience, a scientific qualification, and proficiency with CRM and Excel, with willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in chemical/industrial sectors.
• Proven sales, account management, and business development track record.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with forecasting ability.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management capabilities.
• Experience with CRM systems and data analysis in Excel.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing and prospective customer accounts.
• Develop and execute account plans to achieve sales, profitability, and market share objectives.
• Drive revenue growth through the promotion of products, solutions, and value-added services.
• Lead commercial negotiations and secure long-term sales agreements and contracts.
• Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities across the product portfolio.
• Support the achievement of regional and national sales targets.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with customers at operational, technical, procurement, and executive levels.
• Build customer loyalty through proactive engagement and effective account management.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction by delivering responsive and value-driven solutions.
• Understand customers' business objectives, challenges, and operational requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned customer accounts.
• Manage the sales pipeline and maintain a healthy flow of opportunities.
• Track opportunities throughout the sales cycle and drive conversion from prospect to customer.
• Ensure accurate sales forecasting and reporting.
• Monitor account performance against sales targets and implement corrective action where required.
• Maintain accurate customer and opportunity records within the CRM system.
• Develop and implement strategic account plans aligned with customer and business objectives.
• Analyse customer operations, market trends, and competitive activities to identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop commercial strategies and customer-specific solutions.
• Drive joint business planning initiatives with key customers.
• Ensure alignment between customer requirements and organisational objectives.
• Take ownership of revenue, margin, and profitability targets for assigned accounts.
• Monitor account performance against financial objectives and budgets.
• Support pricing strategies and contract negotiations to maximise profitability.
• Manage commercial risks and ensure sustainable business outcomes.
• Monitor competitor activities, market developments, and industry trends.
• Identify emerging customer needs and translate them into commercial opportunities.
• Provide market feedback to support product development and business strategy.
• Maintain a strong understanding of industry regulations and market dynamics.

Skills

Sales experience

Account management

Business development

Negotiation

Contract management

CRM systems

Networking abilities

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Tertiary qualification in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Headhunters in South Africa seeks an experienced commercial professional to identify opportunities, manage key accounts, and drive revenue growth in the chemical sector.

The role focuses on developing tailored solutions, leading negotiations, and building strategic relationships across operational, procurement, and executive levels. Applicants should have 5–7 years' experience, a scientific qualification, and proficiency with CRM and Excel, with willingness to travel.