Account Manager

Overview

The role of Account Manager involves identifying and developing potential business opportunities by engaging with prospective partners and clients to explore new revenue streams. The position requires collaboration with technical teams to prepare timely proposals and responses to customer requests for proposals (RFPs). The candidate will be responsible for meeting or exceeding set sales revenue goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify or suggest prospective business deals through outreach to potential clients and partners.
• Collaborate with technical teams to craft proposals and respond promptly to customer RFPs.
• Analyze and filter potential business opportunities by assessing market strategies, deal requirements, financial viability, and internal priorities, providing recommendations accordingly.
• Stay informed on relevant RFPs and maintain updated knowledge of market activities in the target sectors.
• Conduct cold and warm calls to prospective clients for arranging exploratory meetings.
• Carry out informal market research to better understand the market landscape and devise effective response strategies for hardware and software solutions.
• Evaluate competitor profiles and develop strategies to outperform them in winning new business.
• Follow through diligently on all leads and opportunities until closure.
• Finalize new business deals by managing requirements, negotiating contracts, and ensuring alignment with business operations.
• Safeguard company interests by maintaining confidentiality of information.
• Upgrade professional knowledge through educational opportunities, reading industry publications, networking, and participation in professional bodies.
• Enhance the organization's reputation by taking initiative on new responsibilities and seeking additional value-adding opportunities.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by management.

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of the ICT market in Kenya and neighboring regions.
• Proficient in technical proposal creation and report writing.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities at a senior level.
• Expertise in sales management and negotiation techniques.
• Skilled in developing rapport and business relationships at commercial levels.
• Effective communication, presentation, and negotiation skills across various organizational levels.
• Innovative mindset with creative problem-solving abilities.
• Results-oriented with a strong drive to achieve targets.
• Experience in marketing and product development strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication proficiency.
• Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision.
• Project management, organizational planning, and problem-solving skills.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in Information Technology or a Business-related field is required, along with a minimum of two years of experience in business development within the ICT sector in Kenya and the wider region.