Sandton: Head of Account Manager – Travel posted by OttoBauthentic

About the Role

The Head of Account Manager – Travel role at OttoBauthentic is a critical position that requires a senior leader to drive business growth, develop strategic initiatives, and build strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be responsible for growing and maximizing the business sector of the group in line with the company’s strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 customer profitability (revenues) is in line with business expectations, considering 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
• Streamline and simplify payment processes with Government clients, minimizing poor payment issues and reducing bad debt and similar challenges within this division
• Understand and communicate potential long-term effects of political legislation, economic, and market changes, preparing the Company and customers for impact
• 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, potentially exploring expanding the brand outside of the South African market
• Act as the Brand ambassador for the business, representing the Company at a senior level with strategic clients, together with relevant Shareholders of the Company
• Engage in key or targeted client activities, such as 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)
• 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 relevant Shared Service departments)
• Reporting
• Exploration of international markets (if applicable)
• High-value write-offs

Requirements

• 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 the Government Sector
• Strong processes and procedures, including revising them as needed for the brand
• Ongoing awareness of changes in relevant legislation and regulations (may require subscription to Government Gazettes and similar publications)
• 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
• Ability to manage complex issues, both internally and externally
• Must possess great stamina to maintain frequent evening and weekend work in the process of building strong relationships with customers and suppliers
• Ability to work as part of a team with a positive attitude to external and internal forces

Qualifications

None mentioned.

Salary & Benefits

Not specified.