About the position
A market leader in vacuum and blower systems is seeking a Business Development Regional Manager to drive sales growth in Eastern Africa.
This role suits a commercially driven, technically skilled professional with regional market knowledge and an entrepreneurial mindset.
The ideal candidate is an expatriate based in Eastern Africa, preferably South African, or alternatively of British or Egyptian origin,
with a proven track record in sales across industries such as food processing, medical, wastewater, packaging, and power.
Minimum requirements:
- Tertiary qualification is essential, with preference given to candidates holding a BSc in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, or a BCom in Business Management or Marketing, or a similar relevant field.
- Sales, Key Account Management, Export, or Business Development certifications will be an advantage.
- Fluent in English (essential).
- French or local language skills are advantageous.
- 7–10 years' technical sales experience, ideally in industrial or capital equipment.
- Proven success growing a multinational brand in East Africa.
- Strong background in business development and project-based sales.
- Experience working with engineers and procurement teams.
- Knowledge of vacuum pumps, blowers, or similar is beneficial.
- Experience in food, packaging, medical, power, wastewater, or oil and gas is an advantage.
- Ability to manage distributors, remote areas, and independent operations.
- Preferred origin: South African expatriate (ideal), or alternatively of British or Egyptian background.
- Location: Based in Kenya with a home office setup.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong commercial and technical acumen.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue opportunities independently.
- Results-driven and confident working towards performance targets.
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
- High reasoning ability with a structured, problem-solving approach.
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ERP/CRM tools such as Pastel are advantageous.
- Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with the broader South African team.
Personality Traits:
- Proactive, self-disciplined, and able to work well under pressure.
- Passionate about customer engagement and driving sales success.
- Confident communicator, comfortable in technical environments.
- Motivated by targets, accountability, and personal achievement.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Achieve unit sales growth of vacuum pumps, blowers, and systems in the designated Eastern Africa region.
- Expand service and repair business through proactive aftermarket sales.
- Increase market penetration in industries such as food, medical, power, packaging, plastics, wastewater, and automotive.
- Deliver project-based sales aligned with company budgets and strategic targets.
- Identify new business opportunities and proactively engage potential customers.
- Travel frequently and proactively across the region to develop the brand and unlock sales potential.
- Manage and grow relationships with existing customers, ensuring repeat business and long-term partnerships.
- Prepare and follow up on technical and commercial quotations with support from the regional back-office.
- Drive sales of capital equipment (vacuum pumps and systems) as well as aftermarket services (repairs and maintenance).
- Respond to technical tender requests and participate in project proposals.
- Position the organisation as a leading solution provider across key industries.
- Build strategic relationships with consultants, contractors, end-users, and distribution partners.
- Ensure consistent and strategic customer visitation and follow-ups on quotes, tenders, and service commitments.
- Complete, accurate, and timely sales reporting (weekly and monthly).
- Contribute to strategy development for the region, working closely with the sales team.
- Conduct site visits for troubleshooting and basic technical support when required.
- Present technical solutions to customers and conduct training sessions.
- Represent the company at trade shows, customer events, and exhibitions.
Desired Skills:
- regional sales
- africa sales
- blower
- rotating equipment
- vacuum pumps
- mechanical
- engineering
