Sr. Strategic Account Manager

Sulzer · Johannesburg

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

About the role

Job Summary

The Sr. Strategic Account Manager is responsible for managing and growing relationships with key clients across multiple lines of business. This role involves developing long-term account strategies, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.

This job profile is intended for specialist professionals that apply advanced knowledge of a job area. Required to manage projects / processes independently with limited supervision. Typically, coaches and reviews the work of lower-level professionals.

Role Purpose

The Partnering Manager will lead the commercial function for rotating equipment services, ensuring profitable growth through strategic contract management, pricing, and customer engagement. This role focuses on delivering value-added service solutions for compressors, turbines, pumps, and other rotating equipment, while maintaining compliance and driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy & Market Development

Develop and execute commercial strategies tailored to the rotating equipment service market.
Identify opportunities for aftermarket services, upgrades, and long-term service agreements (LTSA).
Monitor industry trends, OEM competition, and customer needs to position the company as a preferred service provider.

Contract & Tender Management

Lead negotiations for service contracts, maintenance agreements, and major overhauls.
Ensure accurate costing and risk assessment for tenders and proposals.
Manage contract lifecycle, including renewals and variations, ensuring compliance with technical and commercial terms.

Financial Performance

Drive revenue growth through optimized pricing models for spare parts, field services, and repairs.
Prepare budgets, forecasts, and margin analysis for service projects.
Monitor KPIs such as contract profitability, utilization rates, and cost-to-serve.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

Build strong relationships with key clients in oil & gas, power generation, mining, and industrial sectors.
Act as the escalation point for commercial issues and disputes.
Collaborate with operations, engineering, and supply chain teams to ensure service delivery meets contractual obligations.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead and mentor the commercial team, including contract managers and pricing analysts.
Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and customer-centricity.
Drive continuous improvement in commercial processes and tools.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).
8–10 years of experience in commercial management within rotating equipment or industrial services.
Strong knowledge of OEM and aftermarket service models.
Proven track record in contract negotiation and managing high-value service agreements.

Skills & Competencies

Deep understanding of rotating equipment (compressors, turbines, pumps).
Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Strong financial and analytical capabilities.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.

KPIs & Performance Metrics

Revenue growth from service contracts and aftermarket sales.
Contract margin and profitability.
Customer satisfaction and retention rates.
Bid success rate and turnaround time.
Compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

What we offer you

Medical Aid

Provident Fund

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 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.

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