The role of the Technical Sales Engineer - Cement involves driving business growth and providing expert technical support for cement grinding aids across East Africa. This position requires deep technical knowledge of cement manufacturing processes coupled with strong commercial acumen to identify opportunities, manage key customer relationships, and achieve revenue targets.
Role Responsibilities
Business Development & Market Growth
- Identify and develop business opportunities for cement grinding aids across East Africa, leveraging market intelligence and industry networks.
- Drive new product introductions by leading technical trials and demonstrating value to customers, ensuring adoption and revenue growth.
- Analyze market trends, growth drivers, and project pipelines to align business strategies and capture emerging opportunities.
- Develop and execute plans to grow market share for existing and new products, meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
- Manage trade spend within the assigned territory and ensure effective Return on Investment (ROI).
Technical Expertise & Support
- Provide technical advice and solutions to cement manufacturers on grinding aid applications, optimizing performance and cost efficiency.
- Conduct product demonstrations, plant audits, and technical training for customer teams to reinforce product value.
- Collaborate with R&D and supply chain teams to ensure timely delivery and technical compliance of products.
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of cement production processes and customer operations to offer tailored solutions.
Customer Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, distributors, and industry stakeholders to ensure customer retention and satisfaction.
- Explore and execute business development opportunities with strategic accounts to maximize revenue potential.
- Work closely with internal teams to align on service delivery and resolve customer issues promptly.
- Ensure achievement of local and export demand forecasts through proactive engagement and planning.
Operational Excellence & Compliance
- Monitor and report on sales performance, call reports, and market activities in line with company procedures.
- Ensure timely debt collection and adherence to credit policies within the territory.
- Uphold ethical standards and confidentiality in all business dealings.
- Contribute to team development by sharing technical knowledge and best practices.
Minimum Requirements
- BA/BSc/HND qualification.
- At least 5 years’ experience in quality control within the cement manufacturing segment.
- At least 3 years’ experience in cement production optimization.
- Knowledge of formulations for various cement grades.
- Demonstrated understanding of cement manufacturing processes and ability to conduct cement manufacturing trials.
- Language proficiency in English. Kiswahili will be an added advantage.
- Willingness to travel regularly (locally and internationally).
- Commercial awareness – ability to identify opportunities and action them.
- Operating in a business-to-business (B2B) environment.
- Broader understanding of economic drivers preferred.
- Success at selling new concepts and products.
- Ownership of and engagement with continuous self-development.
- Proven technical competence – understanding of technical concepts and ability to translate for commercial benefit.
- Thorough knowledge of business process (forecasting, sales reports, presentation skills, supply chain).
- Experience in market research (market trends, competition) for the annual budget process.
