KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER

JOHN THOMPSON (A Division of ACTOM (Pty) Ltd) is South Africa's largest manufacturer of industrial and utility boilers that services both local and export markets, is an equal opportunity company, promoting affirmative action, has a vacancy for:

KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Durban

We are seeking a motivated and commercially minded Business Development Engineer to support the growth of our Industrial Watertube Boiler Business Unit. This role offers an exceptional opportunity for an engineer who is passionate about customer engagement, market development, energy transition technologies, and international business. The position will report directly to the Business Development Manager and will collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to achieve business growth objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development & Market Growth

• Support implementation of business development strategies.

• Identify and develop new business opportunities and markets.

• Build relationships with industrial clients, sugar mills, EPC contractors, consultants, suppliers, and strategic partners.

• Participate in customer visits, technical discussions, and industry events.

• Develop opportunities within the industrial steam generation, sugar, biomass, and energy transition sectors.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong strategic customer relationships.

• Identify repeat business, retrofit, upgrade, and service opportunities.

• Support customer satisfaction initiatives and long-term account development.

• Act as a liaison between clients and internal departments.

Tendering & Commercial Support

• Assist in the preparation of tenders, proposals, and commercial submissions.

• Coordinate technical and commercial inputs from internal stakeholders.

• Participate in commercial negotiations and contract discussions.

• Identify commercial and contractual risks.

• Support project handover from sales to execution teams.

Supplier Development

• Develop relationships with local and international suppliers.

• Assist with supplier qualification and performance evaluation.

• Support cost optimisation and supply chain competitiveness initiatives.

Market Intelligence & Planning

• Monitor industry developments, emerging technologies, and competitor activity.

• Evaluate opportunities within biomass, alternative fuels, and energy transition markets.

• Provide business intelligence and strategic recommendations to management.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Technical & Commercial

• Industrial boiler systems and steam generation technologies.

• Business development and market expansion.

• Tendering and commercial processes.

• Contract and commercial awareness.

• Negotiation and relationship management.

• Proposal development and report writing.

• Microsoft Office and CRM systems.

Behavioural

• Customer focused and results driven.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Initiative and self-motivation.

• Professionalism and accountability.

• Planning and organisational skills.

• Problem-solving ability.

• Persuading and influencing skills.

• Team player with high levels of integrity.

• Adaptable and comfortable working across international markets.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Process, Industrial or equivalent).

• MBA or business-related qualification will be advantageous.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years' experience in: Heavy engineering, industrial boiler systems, steam generation, process industries, power generation, or related industrial sectors.

• Experience in Sales, Proposals, Projects, or Engineering will be advantageous.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's licence.

• Valid passport.

• Willingness and ability to travel internationally on a regular basis.

Interviews will take place at our Durban Office.

PLEASE NOTE: CV’s without certificates will be disqualified

Applications accompanied by a cover letter, indicating position applied for and a current CV and certified certificate may be forwarded for the Senior HR Officer’s attention at PO Box 129, Bellville, 7535 or e-mailed to the Senior HR Officer at HumanResource@johnthompson.co.za by no later than Friday, 21 August 2026.

Marwan Davids

DIVISIONAL HC EXECUTIVE