Business Development Account Manager at Salt South Africa

THE ROLE

• This role is ideal for a driven, new-business-focused sales professional who thrives on building pipeline from the ground up. While there is an account management component to maintain and grow existing relationships, the primary focus is on hunting for new business – identifying prospects, opening doors, and converting opportunities into long-term client partnerships, while managing accounts and key accounts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
New Business Development (primary focus)

• Proactively identify, prospect, and pursue new business opportunities within target sectors and regions
• Build and manage a robust new business pipeline, from lead generation through to close
• Develop and execute strategic Business Development plans to grow the client base
• Represent the business at industry trade shows and networking events to generate leads, build relationships, and expand market presence
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to identify white space and new growth opportunities
• Ensure individual New Business Sales and Profit targets are met or exceeded

Account Management

• Oversee a portfolio of assigned customers, building long-term, trusting relationships
• Implement effective Sales Action Plans for key accounts and regional customers
• Ensure customer service is a priority, resolving issues within standard guidelines

Sales Execution

• Provide professional presentations to prospective and existing customers
• Based on customer briefs, initiate product development and source new concepts in collaboration with the Operations team
• Produce accurate customer quotations, ensuring quality samples and artwork for proposals, and diligently follow up all quotations to generate orders
• Communicate order status across departments to ensure timely delivery

Reporting and Administration

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date customer and prospect files
• Submit all required reports – including meeting reports, forecasts,
• Share market insights and new ideas with the wider sales team

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Proven track record in new business development / hunting, ideally within promotional goods, marketing services, or a related industry
• Confident, proactive networker with the ability to build a pipeline from scratch
• Strong negotiation and closing skills
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines while maintaining a cool outlook
• Personable, professional character with the ability to build rapport and instil client trust
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office, particularly PowerPoint and Excel
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and results-driven