The Area Sales Manager will be responsible for driving sales growth, managing relationships with existing clients, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring the successful delivery of industrial printing solutions. This is a strategic and hands-on role, requiring a blend of sales expertise and technical understanding to manage client relationships effectively. The Area Sales Manager will play a crucial role in expanding the company’s footprint in East Africa.
- Minimum Qualification :Bachelors
- Experience Level :Senior level
- Experience Length :6 years
Job Title: Area Sales Manager
Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Kampala, Uganda
Reports To: Country Director
About Our Client:
Our client is a global leader in industrial printing and coding solutions, specializing in providing innovative, high-quality printers and coders to a wide range of industries, including FMCG, packaging, and manufacturing. The company is expanding its operations in Kenya and Uganda and is seeking a skilled Area Sales Manager to drive business growth in both countries.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Sales Strategy and Execution:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy for Kenya and Uganda to achieve revenue growth and market expansion.
- Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to identify new opportunities and stay ahead of industry developments.
- Set clear sales targets and KPIs, track performance, and adjust strategies as needed to meet or exceed targets.
2. Client Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key clients, ensuring their satisfaction and loyalty.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all client-related issues, resolving concerns and offering tailored solutions to meet their needs.
- Conduct regular client meetings to understand their needs and offer appropriate industrial printing solutions.
3. Business Development:
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities in both Kenya and Uganda, expanding the customer base and increasing sales volume.
- Lead efforts to engage with potential clients, present product offerings, and close sales.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to develop promotional materials and campaigns targeted at driving demand in the region.
4. Reporting and Forecasting:
- Prepare regular sales reports, forecasts, and performance analysis for senior management, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Track sales progress, pipeline development, and closing ratios to ensure targets are being met.
5. Product Knowledge and Market Expertise:
- Maintain a deep understanding of the company’s product offerings and ensure that you can effectively communicate technical features and benefits to clients.
- Stay informed about market conditions and competitor offerings to ensure the company’s products remain competitive.
6. Collaboration:
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, customer service, and operations, to ensure a seamless customer experience.
- Collaborate with the technical team to ensure that client installations, maintenance, and service requests are addressed promptly and efficiently.
7. Travel:
- Frequent travel within Kenya and Uganda will be required to meet with clients, visit potential business sites, and attend industry events.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
1. Education:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field.
- A Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) is a plus.
2. Experience:
- Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in sales management, preferably within the industrial machinery, FMCG, packaging, or related sectors.
- Proven track record of driving revenue growth and meeting or exceeding sales targets in a competitive environment.
- Experience in managing customer relationships and driving business development.
- Previous experience in selling large industrial machinery, particularly in the packaging sector, is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with industrial printing solutions, coding technologies, and related products is a plus.
3. Technical Expertise:
- A solid understanding of the technical aspects of industrial printing solutions, coding technologies, and related machinery.
- Ability to communicate technical information effectively to clients and address any technical queries.
- Knowledge of common industry practices and troubleshooting techniques.
4. Skills:
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce).
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
5. Personal Attributes:
- Results-driven with a focus on customer satisfaction and business growth.
- Adaptable and resourceful in navigating both local and international business environments.
- Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
6. Language Requirements:
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
- Proficiency in Swahili is an advantage (for the Nairobi role).
- Additional language skills (e.g., Luganda) would be beneficial for the Kampala role.
Work Environment:
- This role will involve a combination of office-based work and frequent travel across Kenya and Uganda to meet with clients and prospects.
- You will be working in a dynamic, results-oriented environment with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Health insurance and other employee benefits.
- Opportunity to work with an international company that values growth, innovation, and professional development.
