Head of Account Manager

The Role: Responsible for growing and maximising the business sector of the group in line with the Company’s strategy.  Provide senior management support in developing and growing the Travel Management brand Compile sales/revenue budgets in conjunction with the Head of Client Services Ensure that the customer profitability (revenues) is in line with business expectations. Consider the overall strategic impact and value of pursuing particular clients within the Government sector Discuss and implement new initiatives in conjunction with the SVP/MD, Finance Director and relevant Head-level management Together with Business Development and Finance, streamline and simplify payment processes with Government clients. Minimise poor payment issues and reduce bad debt and similar challenges within this division Understand & communicate potential long-term effect of political legislation, economic and market changes and prepare the Company and customers for impact of these changes Ensure that all client servicing is conducted in line with the Company's Code of Business Conduct Liaise with Marketing and Communications in developing and honing the brand. This may in time develop into exploring expanding the brand outside of the South African market Acting as the Brand ambassador for the business. Will be expected to represent the Company at a senior level with strategic clients, together with the relevant Shareholders of the Company Engage in key or targeted client activities e.g. training seminars and client events Maintain and develop excellent relationships with key customers based on the 80/20 rule i.e. pay special and personal attention to clients that generate 80% of our revenue. Be an active "player" in such customer retention Constantly develop and improve customer presentations and material Establish and develop strong relationships with all internal personnel associated with portfolio of accounts (Client Services, Finance, Marketing, Yield Management etc.) Attend regular monthly product presentations, Finance & Administration and Client Services meetings as and when required Provide the SVP/MD, Finance Director and Group Leadership with any ad hoc reports when requested Accountable for: SLA revision with clients Recruitment, training and retention of staff within the division (in association with the relevant Shared Service departments) Reporting Exploration of international markets – should this occur High value write-offs   EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Relevant degree. Preference will be given to commercial qualifications. GDS or TMC-specific qualifications - very advantageous 5 to 10 years’ experience in Travel Management (Travel Industry) 5 years’ management experience Excellent experience dealing with Government Sector OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Strong processes and procedures. Role will include revising these as needed for the brand Ongoing awareness of changes in relevant legislation and regulations. This may require subscription to Government Gazettes and similar publications An excellent command of the English language - verbal and written Sector awareness – specifically within South African government or related environments Awareness of appropriate legislation regarding state-owned and parastatal payments and credit processes Excellent relationship building skills with strong commercial awareness Sales and business development is a strong part of this position Managing a variety of complex issues, both internally and externally Must possess a great deal of stamina to maintain frequent evening and weekend work in the process of building strong relationships with our customers and suppliers Must be able to work as part of a team with a positive attitude to external and internal forces