Country Manager – Surge Protection Portfolio (South Africa & SADC)

About the role

Rubicon Industrial Automation seeks a Country Manager to lead the Citel surge protection portfolio across South Africa and the broader SADC region. This is a business‑development focused position, not an order‑taking role, requiring you to create demand at the design stage and build a channel capable of delivering volume sales.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute an annual territory plan with quarterly targets for revenue, margin and market share.
• Generate demand by influencing consulting engineers, EPC contractors, system integrators and end‑user engineering teams.
• Conduct site risk assessments and surge protection audits, translating findings into coordinated solutions for AC, DC, photovoltaic and data circuits.
• Prepare technical proposals, tender responses and compliance schedules referencing SANS and IEC standards.
• Deliver technical training and product presentations to engineers, contractors and Rubicon sales teams.
• Build and manage the route‑to‑market across panel builders, electrical contractors, system integrators, OEMs, solar installers and resellers.
• Own the local portfolio – range selection, stock profile, lead times, obsolescence planning and pricing within agreed frameworks.
• Plan and execute local marketing programmes, including trade exhibitions, technical seminars, webinars and digital campaigns.
• Report monthly on pipeline, revenue, market share and competitor activity to both Rubicon and Citel.

Required profile

• National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, or qualified Installation Electrician.
• Minimum five years of technical sales or business development experience in electrical, industrial automation, power quality or energy sectors.
• Proven track record of growing a product portfolio, opening new market segments or launching a brand.
• Sound knowledge of low‑voltage electrical installations and distribution systems.
• Ability to sell on specification to consulting engineers, EPCs and system integrators.
• Valid Code B driver’s licence, reliable transport, passport and willingness to travel regionally and internationally.
• Computer literacy, including MS Office and CRM systems.

Required skills

• Low‑voltage electrical installations
• Electrical distribution systems
• Technical sales
• MS Office
• CRM systems