Channel Manager - MEA at Valmet

Are you a dynamic and results-driven professional with a passion for driving business growth and distributor network? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as a Channel Manager.

Valmet’s Flow Control Business Line is one of the leading providers of mission-critical flow control solutions and services for process industries. We employ about 2,850 people in approximately 40 countries. With our global team of experts and innovative solutions, we help our customers to improve their process performance and ensure the safe flow of materials.

We are looking for a Channel Manager within our Flow Control (FC) business for our Middle East & Africa Team based in South Africa or the African continent.

As a Channel Manager your key duties and responsibilities include:

• Identifying new channel partners: You would be responsible for identifying potential new channel partners, evaluating their suitability, and developing relationships with them to expand the company's distribution network.
• Developing and implementing channel sales plans: You would be responsible for creating and executing a sales plan for the FC's channel partners, including identifying target markets, setting sales targets, and implementing strategies to achieve them.
• Building and maintaining relationships with channel partners: You would be responsible for building strong relationships with existing and potential channel partners, identifying their needs and concerns, and addressing any issues that may arise.
• Providing training and support to channel partners: You would be responsible for providing training and support to channel partners, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively sell the company's products.
• Monitoring and driving sales performance: You would be responsible for monitoring the sales performance of channel partners, identifying areas for improvement, and working with them to develop solutions to address any issues.
• Voice of Customer: You would be responsible for identifying trends and opportunities in the industry and using this information to develop sales strategies and make informed decisions about the company's distribution network.
• Supporting on larger quotations and orders: Supporting our partners with large or strategical important quotations and orders, including working with our back-office teams as well as in expediting and supporting with commercial decisions.
• Collaborating with other departments: You would be responsible for collaborating with regional Sales team and other departments, such as marketing and product development, to ensure the company's products meet the needs of the market and are effectively promoted to channel partners and end customers.

Requirements:

• A proven track record of success in channel management. Preferably in a B2B environment.
• Bachelor degree in Engineering with approximately 10 years in total
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to develop and execute channel plans that align with business objectives.
• Experience in negotiating contracts and agreements with channel partners is considered a strength 
• Proficiency in using CRM systems (Salesforce) and other sales tools to manage and track channel partner performance and sales metrics
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and teams to achieve shared goals. Experience of working in a matrix organization would be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with channel partners and internal stakeholders.
• You need to be able to have English as a working language, any other additional languages (French or Portuguese) are considered an asset.
• This position involves 80 -100 traveling days annually.