Account Manager

ZEISS is technology and innovation. Founded in Germany in 1846, ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries across 50 countries.

Wholly owned by a foundation, ZEISS is committed to responsibility in all its activities. Our employees push the boundaries of what is possible, creating value through quality and innovation and helping shape new ways of seeing the world.

We’re looking for an Account Manager to join us in Durban, South Africa, with extensive travel across the country.

Join our ophthalmology business and support the ZEISS portfolio of OPT devices and related consumables in South Africa. You will work closely with customers and key opinion leaders in cataract surgery, building relationships and helping customers identify solutions that meet their needs.

Your Role

You will contribute to annual revenue and profit targets by developing new business, strengthening customer relationships and implementing branding and promotional strategies. Combining product knowledge with a consultative approach, you will understand customer requirements, communicate the value of our portfolio and deliver responsive support throughout the sales process.

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of your sales activity while collaborating with colleagues across sales, marketing and customer service to create a consistent customer experience.

Your focus will be on understanding each customer’s priorities and building trust through reliable, knowledgeable sales support.

The role of Account Manager will involve

• Proactively identifying new sales opportunities, following up on leads and developing relationships with prospective customers within your designated territory.
• Understanding customer needs and presenting relevant products, services and solutions, clearly explaining their features, benefits and value.
• Building strong relationships with existing customers to support satisfaction, account retention and opportunities for further business.
• Working towards personal sales targets and contributing to wider revenue and profitability objectives through focused sales activity and effective negotiation.
• Developing detailed knowledge of the ZEISS portfolio and providing support for OPT devices and related consumables across South Africa.
• Supporting key opinion leaders in cataract surgery and maintaining constructive relationships with customers who have complex consultancy requirements.
• Responding to customer queries, complaints and specific problems, recording feedback and coordinating with colleagues to resolve issues.
• Monitoring market trends, competitor activity and industry developments, using these insights to identify opportunities and inform your sales approach.
• Maintaining accurate records of customer interactions, sales calls, opportunities and pipeline progress using Salesforce and relevant reporting tools.
• Collaborating with sales, marketing, customer service and other departments to implement promotional strategies and provide coordinated customer support.
• Following company policies, procedures and relevant industry regulations in all sales and customer activities.

Your Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or a related field.
• Three to five years of professional experience in medical sales.
• Knowledge and experience of working in a theatre environment.
• Excellent knowledge of the regional ophthalmology market and an understanding of customer needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Salesforce.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain product value and build lasting customer relationships.
• Strong organisational and time management skills to balance customer visits, follow-ups, sales activity and administration.
• The ability to work independently, take ownership of personal targets and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• A proactive approach.

It would be desirable if you had

• Medical sales experience specifically within ophthalmology.
• Previous sales experience in a B2B or B2C environment.

Role Details

Location: Durban, South Africa.

Travel: Extensive travel throughout South Africa.

Transport: You must have your own reliable vehicle.

Apply now to take the next step in joining ZEISS, where you can push technological boundaries, shape markets and contribute to the advancement of society.

Joe Taroni, Maite Nomthandaso Makgai