Sales Manager: East & West Africa

About the role

A client of IQVIA, a global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence, is looking for an experienced, commercially driven Sales Manager to lead business growth across East and West Africa. This is a highly visible leadership role based in Johannesburg, responsible for driving profitable growth, developing new markets, expanding strategic customer relationships and leading a high-performing regional sales team. It suits someone who thrives in a fast-paced international environment and enjoys building business across diverse African markets.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the regional sales strategy across East and West Africa, and identify and enter new markets with strong commercial potential.
• Build and expand routes to market through distributors, partners and direct customer relationships, and maintain a strong pipeline of new business opportunities.
• Lead business development with high-value prospects and strategic accounts, manage opportunities from engagement through closure, and position the company's products and solutions.
• Lead, coach and develop a geographically dispersed sales team, set performance expectations, run pipeline and performance reviews and support field coaching.
• Build strong relationships with key customers and partners, develop account growth strategies and collaborate with internal stakeholders on service and delivery.
• Manage sales forecasts, budgets and regional performance plans, monitor profitability and market trends, and report regularly on opportunities and risks.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Agriculture, Animal Science or a related field; honours degree or postgraduate qualification advantageous.
• At least 10 years of sales and business development experience, including at least 4 years in a senior sales leadership capacity.
• Proven success developing business across multiple African markets and winning new customers.
• Experience leading and managing regional or geographically dispersed teams.
• Willingness to travel extensively, including a minimum of two weeks per month within assigned territories.

Required skills

• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic planning and execution, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with CRM systems and Microsoft Office.