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Senior Sales Manager – RPO Recruitment
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 29 April 2026
Closing Date: 29 June 2026
Industry: Manufacturing / Defence / Technology
Functional Area: Sales / Strategic Business Development
Experience Level: Mid-Senior
A leading and innovative manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Senior Sales Manager to join its high-performance commercial team based in Cape Town. This is a strategic leadership role focused on driving business growth, developing global market opportunities, and managing high-level stakeholder relationships across both government and corporate sectors.
The role operates within a highly specialised and regulated industry environment that includes manufacturing, defence-related technologies, and international trade. It requires a professional who is not only commercially strong but also highly strategic, politically aware, and capable of operating in complex, high-value negotiation environments.
Senior Sales Managers in this space are responsible for more than just sales targets. They play a critical role in shaping market positioning, influencing long-term contracts, and building sustainable relationships with government bodies, international partners, and corporate clients.
Role Purpose and Strategic Importance
The primary purpose of this role is to identify, develop, and secure high-value business opportunities in both domestic and international markets. This includes driving order intake, managing strategic accounts, and positioning the organisation as a preferred partner in competitive and highly regulated industries.
The role requires a deep understanding of global market dynamics, government procurement processes, and international trade frameworks. A strong focus is placed on long-term relationship building, strategic forecasting, and high-level negotiation.
This is a senior commercial position where success is measured not only by sales performance but also by influence, network strength, and the ability to secure complex multi-million-value contracts.
Key Responsibilities Explained in Detail
1. Market Intelligence and Opportunity Development
You will be responsible for proactively identifying market requirements through continuous research and engagement with key stakeholders.
This includes:
- Monitoring industry trends and geopolitical developments
- Identifying emerging opportunities in government and corporate sectors
- Positioning the organisation as a strategic partner early in procurement cycles
The ability to anticipate market needs before they are formally announced is a critical success factor in this role.
2. Strategic Capture Planning
You will develop and execute detailed capture plans designed to win high-value contracts. This involves analysing competitors, understanding client requirements, and designing tailored pricing and solution strategies.
Capture planning includes:
- Developing winning bid strategies
- Structuring competitive pricing models
- Aligning internal capabilities with client expectations
- Coordinating cross-functional input for proposals
The objective is to maximise the probability of securing strategic contracts in highly competitive environments.
3. Pricing Strategy and Competitive Positioning
You will play a key role in developing pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability. This requires a strong understanding of cost structures, market benchmarks, and client expectations.
You will also continuously monitor the competitive landscape to adjust strategies where necessary and maintain market advantage.
4. Development of Strategic Networks
A major part of this role involves building and maintaining multi-layered business networks across Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) environments.
This includes:
- Establishing relationships with government departments and agencies
- Engaging with corporate decision-makers and procurement leaders
- Building international partnerships and distributor networks
Strong networking ability is essential for long-term success in this role.
5. Stakeholder and Government Relations
You will manage high-level relationships with senior government officials, including Ministers, Heads of Departments, and Security Force leadership.
This requires:
- Professional communication at executive and diplomatic levels
- Strong understanding of government procurement processes
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential engagements
The role demands a high level of professionalism, discretion, and strategic communication.
6. Full Customer Lifecycle Management
You will oversee the entire customer journey, from initial engagement through to contract execution and ongoing relationship management.
This includes:
- Contract negotiation and closure
- Post-sale relationship management
- Ensuring client satisfaction and long-term partnership growth
Maintaining strong relationships is key to repeat business and long-term contract extensions.
7. Internal Collaboration and Solution Development
You will work closely with internal technical, engineering, and operational teams to develop solutions that meet client requirements.
This includes:
- Translating client needs into executable internal solutions
- Providing input into product development and service offerings
- Ensuring alignment between commercial promises and operational delivery
8. Compliance and Regulatory Adherence
Given the nature of the industry, strict compliance with internal policies, government regulations, and international export laws is mandatory.
You will ensure that all sales activities align with:
- Export control regulations
- International trade compliance frameworks
- Internal governance and ethical standards
Failure to comply with regulatory requirements can have serious legal and operational consequences, making this a critical responsibility.
Minimum Requirements Explained
NQF Level 7 Qualification (Business, Economics, Engineering or Related Field)
A strong academic foundation is required to support strategic decision-making and technical understanding.
Minimum 5 Years Senior Sales or Management Experience
Candidates must have proven experience in high-level sales or technical leadership roles.
Defence, Security or Technology Industry Experience (Advantageous)
Prior experience in regulated industries such as defence, security, or advanced technology is highly beneficial.
Knowledge of Ammunition and Weapon Systems (Advantageous)
Understanding of technical defence-related products is important for engaging with specialised clients.
International Trade and Export Knowledge
Strong understanding of export controls, global trade regulations, and cross-border commercial operations is essential.
Global Political Awareness
A solid understanding of international political environments is important due to the nature of government and defence-related contracts.
Strong Negotiation and Leadership Skills
You must be capable of leading complex negotiations and influencing high-level decision-makers.
Ability to Work Under Pressure
The role involves high-value targets, strict deadlines, and multinational engagement.
Willingness to Travel Internationally
Frequent travel may be required to meet clients, attend negotiations, and support global business development.
Work Environment
This is a high-performance, strategic commercial environment where decisions carry significant financial and geopolitical impact. The role requires professionalism, resilience, and the ability to operate in complex international and government-facing settings.
You will be working with senior executives, technical specialists, and government stakeholders in both formal and high-security environments.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is negotiable and will be based on experience, qualifications, and industry expertise. The role offers a highly competitive remuneration package aligned with senior-level commercial responsibilities.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the following channels:
- Contact RPO Recruitment directly
- Reach out to Jarad Pentz on LinkedIn
- Visit: rporecruitment.us
- Email CV to: logistics@rpo-recruit.za.com
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3 days. If not selected, your CV may be retained for future opportunities within the organisation.
This Senior Sales Manager role represents a highly strategic and influential position within a complex manufacturing and defence-related environment. It requires a rare combination of commercial expertise, technical understanding, geopolitical awareness, and high-level negotiation skills.
For candidates with strong experience in government contracting, international trade, and strategic sales leadership, this role offers the opportunity to operate at the highest levels of global business development and stakeholder engagement.
