Head of Sales West and Central Africa

Head of Sales – West and Central Africa

Location: Nigeria
Company: Sulzer Pumps – Services Division
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us:

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering, providing innovative and sustainable solutions across a range of industries. Our Services Division is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and reliability of our customers’ operations through comprehensive maintenance, repair, and optimization services. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Sales – West and Central Africa to lead our sales efforts and drive growth in our Services Division.

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Summary:

Sulzer is seeking an experienced Head of Sales – West and Central Africa, who will be responsible for the overall co-ordination, functional management, and leadership of all the Services Division’s sales activity needs of the Company's customers within West and Central African Region to meet the objectives of the company's overall business plans and strategies.  Provide functional support and leadership of all the assigned regions tendering activities and ensuring effective coordination with the Flow Division to align sales initiatives with the company’s objectives and drive sustainable business growth.

Main tasks and responsibilities

1. Sales Strategy Development and Execution:

1. 1. Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy to achieve business goals and revenue targets.
   2. Coordinate specific objectives of the Sales Strategy with regards to the assigned functional area, liaising with relevant departments of the company.
   3. Identify new market opportunities, trends, and emerging markets to drive business expansion.
   4. Set quarterly and annual sales goals, forecasts, and performance metrics.
   5. Effective client contact, relationship building, and management processes are in place (including acting on feedback from Customer Satisfaction Surveys) to positively influence the client and create a pre-disposition to view Sulzer as the preferred source of supply.
   6. Application of Sulzer sales and commercial policies, procedures, codes of conduct and best practice guidelines

2. Team Leadership and Management:

1. 1. Lead, coach, and mentor the sales team to ensure high performance and continuous development.
   2. Conduct performance evaluations, set clear KPIs, and provide actionable feedback.
   3. Collaborate with HR on recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new sales team members.

3. Revenue Growth and Client Relationship Management:

1. 1. Drive revenue growth by expanding the client base, maximizing customer retention, and improving client satisfaction.
   2. Build and nurture strong, long-lasting relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders.
   3. Lead negotiations, secure high-value deals, and manage complex sales cycles.

4. Collaboration and Cross-Functional Alignment:

1. 1. Work closely with marketing, product development, and customer service to align sales efforts with overall company objectives.
   2. Collaborate with the finance team to set accurate sales budgets and forecasts.
   3. Ensure consistent communication and alignment across the business on sales initiatives.
   4. Review tenders and manage tendering process with the Head of Tendering.
   5. Ensure that handover meetings and documentation are effective and result in a smooth transition from pre to post order status.

5. Market and Competitor Analysis:

1. 1. Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform sales strategies.
   2. Conduct market research and analysis to identify new business opportunities and potential growth areas.

6. Reporting and Performance Tracking:

1. 1. Develop and present regular sales performance reports to senior management, highlighting key insights, challenges, and successes.
   2. Use data and analytics to track performance and optimize sales processes and approaches.
   3. Ensure the sales team leverages CRM systems effectively for pipeline management and tracking.

7. All other duties as relevant to the position.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or a related field (MBA preferred)

• 10 years’ experience in managing high-performance regional sales teams.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.

• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.

Knowledge Required

• Operational Excellence: Expertise in driving efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong communication and relationship-building skills with investors, board members, and key customers.
• Innovation & Change Management: Ability to lead digital transformation and adapt to evolving market trends.
• People Leadership: Ability to inspire, mentor, and build high-performing teams.
• Industry-Specific Knowledge (for Sulzer Services)
  • Understanding of rotating equipment services, industrial maintenance, and engineering solutions.
  • Familiarity with aftermarket services, supply chain management, and customer service models.
  • Awareness of sustainability initiatives, energy efficiency, and industrial digitalization trends.
• Proficient in CRM software and sales management tools.
• P&L Experience
• General computer skills

Additional Requirements:

• Communication skills
• Negotiating skills
• Influencing and persuasion skills
• Relationship management skills
• Staff management skills
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and drive

No visa or work permit support can be provided for this role

If you meet the above job requirements with proven expertise in developing strong client relations, strategies, and driving continuous improvement across Sulzer Services.  Take the next step: submit your application. Our team is looking forward hearing from you! 

Have a question about the role? Reach out to the talent acquisition team at the following email address: [email protected].  We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment. 

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2025 in Brazil, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA. 

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