Solution Sales Manager - SADC

Job purpose

The Solution Sales Manager IBS is responsible for implementing an efficient and effective sales strategy and tactics to grow the business in the targeted region; he/she must develop a sales strategy for these accounts, analyze and qualify prospects and sales leads both with governments and private companies for the whole IBS product portfolio (solutions and documents but with a focus on Solution for ID management, Automatic Border Control and Public Safety Solutions ). He/She must negotiate and close leads resulting into profitable sales of the Thales IBS product portfolio

Duties & Responsibilities

• The Solution Sales Manager has the responsibility of the sales of all products, services and solutions in the area of South Africa and sub Sahara Africa
• Identify new opportunities and position Thales as a key partner and key supplier.
• Develop, propose and implement the strategic account planning composed of the local account approaches and the global marketing plan
• Coordinate Thales tenders’ answers with Bid management team
• Establish high-level strategic relationships with government.
• Interface with various resources within the Business Line to ensure the customer’s needs are fully understood and that the appropriate resources are allocated to the account.
• Interface with DGDI / AMEWA organization.
• Ensure that relevant Market information are communicated internally within Thales

Required qualification and experience

• BS degree in IT/Telecommunication or relevant skill
• Master’s degree in Business Administration is a plus
• Proven track of record as Solution Sales Manager, Key Account Manager, Sales account Manager in complex and long sales cycles
• Ability to manage African customers (IT Telco, banks and governments related)
• Living experience in Africa
• Required skills
• Complex solution selling and especially ability to understand customers needs
• Proven ability to juggle multiple account management projects at a time, while maintaining sharp attention to details
• Excellent listening, negotiation and presentation abilities
• Proven ability to communicate, influence key stakeholders at all levels of an organisation, including C-level
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Well organized to keep customers and company deadlines in reporting, CRM update...
• Proficient in English is a must especially for the East part of Africa customers
• Proactive with self driven attitude
• Willing to travel 50% or more of his/her time

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