Western Cape: Retail Client Partner posted by Sabenza IT & Recruitment

As a Retail Client Partner, you will take full ownership of one or more strategic retail accounts in South Africa, driving growth, profitability, and long-term client success. You will act as the executive leader and trusted advisor, managing the full account lifecycle from business development and delivery oversight to team leadership and strategic visioning.

Core Responsibilities

       Strategic & Business Development

o   Drive account-level revenue growth, P&L management, and client satisfaction.

o   Identify, shape, and close new business opportunities across the full portfolio of offerings, including digital, data, cloud, ERP, CX, and more.

o   Create and manage a comprehensive account growth strategy, ensuring continuous value delivery and alignment with the clients strategic priorities.

o   Lead commercial negotiations and ensure realistic expectation setting with clients.

o   Manage pipeline tracking, forecasting, and regular executive-level reporting.

       Client Engagement & Delivery Oversight

o   Serve as Executive Sponsor and escalation point, ensuring consistent and high-quality delivery across all service lines.

o   Establish deep, C-level relationships within client organizations, positioning yourself and the firm as strategic advisors.

o   Oversee program execution, ensuring delivery meets SLAs, timelines, budget, and client expectations.

o   Act as a transformation partner by advising on digital strategy, modernization, and technology-led innovation.

o   Ensure a One-Team delivery approach across organisation practices, geographies, and verticals.

       Team Leadership & People Management

o   Lead and inspire cross-functional account teams (2550+ people), driving excellence, collaboration, and inclusivity.

o   Mentor and coach team members across functions and levels, fostering talent development and high morale.

o   Collaborate closely with delivery leaders to ensure that support, development, and resource alignment are in place.

o   Build IP, tools, and industry-tailored solutions to scale delivery capabilities.

Requirements

       12+ years in the technology consulting or services industry, with full SDLC knowledge.

       12+ years in solution-based sales with measurable success in driving large transformation programs.

       Extensive experience managing large, multi-million dollar accounts ($5M+ P&L).

       Proven ability to scale accounts and drive $20M+ in new annual growth.

       Strong understanding of the retail industry including customer journeys, omnichannel, supply chain, ERP, and digital engagement.

       Demonstrated experience engaging and influencing C-suite and Board-level stakeholders.

       Skilled in negotiation, commercial structuring, and risk mitigation.

       Proven leadership in areas like ERP/CRM, Cloud, Analytics, Digital CX, and Tech Transformation.

       Strong knowledge of Agile, DevOps, and modern delivery methodologies.

       Ability to lead diverse, geographically distributed teams and drive high employee satisfaction.

       Experience managing cross-border delivery models and virtual teams.

If you’re a seasoned client leader with deep retail domain expertise and a passion for building long-term partnerships, we want to hear from you.