Technical Account Manager – IT Distribution Company

We are a leading cybersecurity distributor serving South Africa and the broader Sub-Saharan African region. Our portfolio includes cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, and we work closely with global vendors to deliver reliable security solutions that protect businesses across all sectors. Our mission is to ensure our clients are equipped to face today's evolving cybersecurity challenges.

The Technical Account Manager is responsible for building and nurturing strong relationships with existing customers, driving cross-sell and upsell opportunities within our cybersecurity solutions portfolio. The ideal candidate will have a customer-first mindset, working closely with clients to understand their needs and helping them realise additional value through our expanded services and offerings. The account manager would frequently serve as a combination of a salesperson, customer service representative, technical specialist, and financial advisor.

Education: Certificate, Diploma or Degree
Experience: Mid 
Salary: R20,000 to R35,000 pm (dependent on experience)
Reference: #KernelTAC2024-10
Type: Contract, full time
Travel: Yes
Working arrangement: Hybrid working

Key Responsibilities:

• Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing customers to understand their evolving cybersecurity needs.
• Cross-Selling & Upselling: Identify opportunities to cross-sell additional cybersecurity solutions and services, as well as upsell premium offerings to existing clients.
• Customer Retention: Focus on maintaining high customer satisfaction and engagement to improve retention rates, while proactively addressing concerns or roadblocks.
• Customer Success Enablement: Work closely with customers to ensure they are maximizing the value of our solutions, including regular check-ins and follow-ups.
• Solution Selling: Collaborate with the technical teams to provide customized solutions based on customer needs, articulating the value proposition of our product portfolio.
• Market Expansion: Identify potential growth areas within the South African and Sub-Saharan African markets, expanding relationships with customers who have regional operations.
• Vendor Collaboration: Maintain strong communication with vendor partners to stay updated on new products, industry trends, and promotional opportunities that may benefit clients.
• Reporting & Analysis: Track and report on customer engagement activities, sales pipeline progress, and deal closures, using CRM tools and other sales platforms.
• Leverage Technical Proficiency and Product Knowledge: Become an expert in our products and services to effectively address client needs, provide tailored solutions, and articulate the unique value propositions during client interactions. Use this knowledge to troubleshoot client issues, suggest best practices, and ensure the successful adoption of our solutions.
• Drive Strategic Account Planning: Develop and implement strategic account plans to grow and maintain client relationships. Work closely with clients to understand their long-term goals, identify growth opportunities, and create tailored strategies that align with their business objectives.

• Proven experience in a business development, account management, or sales role, ideally within the cybersecurity or IT sector.
• Familiarity with the cybersecurity landscape, including key products, services, and technologies.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with a customer-centric approach.
• Demonstrated success in achieving cross-sell and upsell goals.
• Ability to communicate complex technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the South African and Sub-Saharan African markets.
• Proficiency with CRM tools and sales software like Pipedrive
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Presentation Skills
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Preferred:

• Previous experience in cybersecurity or IT distribution.
• Established network within the cybersecurity community in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Application Process

If you're excited about joining Team Kernel, we'd love to hear from you! 🙌

• Please respond by sending your full updated CV, and summary of your past projects completed with your application or via email.
• Shortlisted candidates must be available for an interview process online, and subsequent interviews may be held in Sandton, Gauteng.
• No telephonic enquiries please.
• If you do not receive a response to your e-mailed CV within fifteen working days of sending it, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• Please do not respond to this ad if you do not match all the criteria for this position.

Why You'll Love Working with Us:

• Competitive salary and commission structure.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

• A collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Access to cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies