Job Description

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Overview

The Sales Development Manager is responsible for developing and executing sales strategies to drive revenue growth and identifying new business opportunities in the Water Care, specifically focusing on the export market and applications. The individual is expected to foster and maintain strong relationships with customers, and relevant stakeholders, domestically and internationally. The individual must possess a strong technical background in the Water Care applications, demonstrate strategic thinking, and have a proven track record in technical product on and offboarding boarding, pre-launch to discontinuation, and travel into the Africa continent. The role will also be expected to provide some level of technical support to customers and sales teams and ensures effective dissemination of product information. The Sales Business Development Manager will also be responsible to identify and offer value-added services beyond product to customers in order create value and success for them

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Qualifications

Matric / Grade 12 with Mathematocs and Science University (First degree), i.e. Bachelor of Science or similar
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Experience

5 - 10 years in water and wastewater treatment products and solutions offerings and Key Account Management
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Duties

Product Strategy and Development:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and refine product strategies aligned with business objectives. Drive new product development initiatives, from concept to launch, ensuring adherence to quality and regulatory standards (NPI - New Product Implementation). Oversee existing product development (EPD), managing stock forecasting for a broad range polymeric coagulant in collaborations with production. Prepare product costing, including shipping details, for exports sales Support the commercial manager and the commercial team with plant trials where necessary. Develop comprehensive pricing for new formulation and support the commercial team when required Have the ability to test the product at site and conduct plant trials when required Support Procurement and Sourcing teams with negotiation with suppliers to secure favourable terms and pricing

Market Positioning:

Understand competitor activities in the water and wastewater treatment in the continent Understand the drivers for change of products and suppliers in water treatment Develop an in-depth understanding of customer needs and market trends to strategically position products. Conduct competitive analysis to identify key differentiators and establish a competitive advantage based on the specific product. Collaborate with marketing teams to create compelling messaging and positioning for the Protea chemicals water care product offering. Engage in marketing activities with local industry bodies, including sales and marketing efforts, editorials, and advertorials. Negotiating with customers, distributors, and stakeholders to secure favorable terms and pricing

Lifecycle Management:

Take ownership of the entire product lifecycle, managing products from introduction to end-of-life. Monitor product performance and customer feedback, utilising data-driven insights to enhance product offerings. Identifying opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and innovation in sales and marketing of Water Care products.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Collaborate seamlessly with sales, marketing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure alignment and effective communication. Provide training and support to sales teams, enhancing their product knowledge and driving successful sales strategies. Function as a liaison between different departments, facilitating smooth product development and launches Identify opportunities at water care where Omnia/Protea Chemicals can add value

Key account management for Exports Business:

Manage a portfolio of key customers to facilitate growth of the product basket Enhance the customer relationship to ensure long term partnerships Develop customer account plans to identify new opportunities and present to the business Build partnerships with key customers to ensure long-term viability of the relationship Communicating goals, strategies, and updates to internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders in order to offer value-added services to key accounts. Resolving production, distribution, and marketing issues related to Water Care additive products

Compliance:

Stay updated on local and international regulatory requirements related to products Participate in industry associations applicable to the product portfolio Collaborate with the quality team to ensure compliance with industry regulations, quality standards, and safety requirements for Water Care products both locally and globally
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Job Competencies

Core Behavioural Competencies:

Builds Collaborative Relationships Results Orientation Ensures Accountability Customer Focus Continuous Improvement and Development Situational Adaptability and Resilience Strategic Thinking Decision Quality Balances Stakeholders Analytical Thinking
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