Sales Manager – Protective and Marine Coatings at PPG

PPG Protective and Marine Coatings is looking for a high-performing Sales Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa. The ideal candidate will be responsible to manage the entire sales process with a highly motivated and engaged commercial team.

Key Responsibilities

• Constantly search for and engage top caliber talent to supplement the existing sales team.    
• Lead, support and motivate the sales team to unlock and grow individual potential      
• Execute segment strategy in collaboration with segment managers.              
• Guide and deliver development and execution of target Key Account Management Plans to reach share growth targets.           
• Maintain links with key decision makers in top industry players, together with the PC Europe sales teams to strengthen relationships and build trust and understanding of customer needs and requirements.          
• Effectively lead the sales team in gathering, organizing and sharing market intelligence effectively with product and segment management teams.
• Lead, support and drive the sales team to continually improve forecast accuracy and share effectively and timeously with supply teams.           
• Prepare annual sales and margin budgets in line with segment strategy and operational plans.         
• Provide strong focus guidance and coaching to individual sales team members on an ongoing and regular basis.           
• Evaluate the training and development needs of individual team players and secure mentoring, practical learning, and formal training for each in order to attain the desired levels of skills, knowledge and expertise.            
• Experienced in export sales to Africa           
• Ability to grow indirect sales through distributors and identify new distributors           
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key clients
• Communicate effectively with internal global support functions              
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service and communication skills
• Handling and resolving customer complaints regarding a product or service           
• Experienced in using digital CRM tools to manage the sales process           
• Planning, organisation and problem-solving skills           
• High level of understanding of the Protective and Marine Coatings market
• Build the PPG brand and promote X-SBU business and opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in successfully leading medium to large sales teams in a technical/industrial B2B environment.
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in business or commercial management.
• High level of business finance proficiency is required.
• A proven track record of delivering growth results and meeting financial objectives.
• Strong business acumen demonstrating ability to define, develop and execute on new business opportunities. 
• Ability to directly and effectively engage external customers.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to collaborate and influence in a matrix environment (cross-functional, cross-regional, and cross-SBU). 
• Professional and positive approach, self-motivated, team player, dynamic, creative and ability to work on own initiative
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to clearly present recommendations and ideas to summarize complex issues
• Strong professionalism and work ethic
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Committed to continuous education