Job Overview

UD Trucks is known for our pioneering technologies and products within the commercial automotive industry.  This position will support the development and growth of UD Trucks Southern Africa's Emerging Markets business by working closely with dealers, importers and customers to achieve agreed sales and commercial objectives. The position is intended for a high-potential sales and commercial professional who demonstrates the capability and ambition to develop into a fully independent Regional Sales Manager. The successful candidate will initially operate with appropriate guidance and mentoring from the GM: SSA New Markets and progressively assume greater responsibility for dealer management, market development, sales planning, forecasting, customer management and commercial performance. The role requires a commercially minded individual who can build strong relationships, analyse market opportunities, influence stakeholders and deliver results while developing a strong understanding of the commercial vehicle industry and UD Trucks business.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales Strategy & Market Development

• Provide input into sales strategies and sales plans for the assigned markets in support of the company's business plan.
• Assist in identifying market opportunities, customer requirements and potential areas for business growth.
• Develop an understanding of market dynamics, competitor activity, customer requirements and commercial vehicle applications.
• Support the development and implementation of dealer sales strategies and action plans.
• Progressively take ownership of defined markets and sales responsibilities as capability develops.

Dealer & Customer Management

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with dealers, importers and key customers.
• Support dealer sales teams in achieving agreed targets and implementing sales strategies.
• Assist in monitoring dealer performance against targets, action plans and agreed sales strategies.
• Develop an understanding of customer profiles and support appropriate customer-management strategies.
• Ensure that UD Trucks Southern Africa is professionally represented within the dealer and customer network.

Sales Performance & Reporting

• Assist with the preparation and submission of accurate and timely sales reports, forecasts and market information.
• Monitor sales performance against agreed targets and identify areas requiring corrective action.
• Support emerging-market importers and dealers with monthly forecasting to enable effective inventory planning.
• Analyse sales and market information and translate findings into practical recommendations.

Product, Pricing & Commercial Support

• Develop a strong understanding of the UD Trucks product portfolio and its application within different customer segments.
• Provide market feedback to the Product Manager to support effective product, brand and pricing positioning.
• Develop an understanding of VMS processes and progressively take responsibility for managing VMS within agreed operational parameters.
• Develop an understanding of commercial principles including pricing, costing, margins and financial controls.

Marketing & Business Development

• Support dealers in the effective utilisation of advertising levy funds and the implementation of appropriate marketing activities.
• Identify opportunities to increase brand awareness, customer engagement and sales within assigned markets.
• Support customer and dealer events, product activities and market-development initiatives.

Delivery & Operational Coordination

• Monitor bodybuilder activities and support coordination to ensure effective vehicle delivery.
• Assist with costings and invoicing instructions where required.
• Develop an understanding of the financial status of dealer guarantees and related commercial controls.

Development & Continuous Improvement

• Participate actively in structured development and mentoring provided by the GM: Emerging Markets and relevant functional specialists.
• Build knowledge of commercial vehicle sales, dealer management, export markets, products, finance and business processes.
• Take increasing ownership of responsibilities as competence and experience are demonstrated.
• Identify opportunities to improve sales processes, customer experience and dealer performance.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of sales and commercial principles.
• Understanding of customer relationship management.
• Basic financial and commercial awareness.
• Good understanding of business planning, reporting and performance measurement.
• Good computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Office.
• Understanding of professional sales principles and ethics.

Skills

• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Customer-focused approach.
• Commercial and analytical thinking.
• Negotiation and influencing ability.
• Planning and organisational skills.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Good judgement and decision-making.
• Ability to interpret and analyse information.
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek guidance.
• Ability to work in a pressured and target-driven environment.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel within assigned markets.
• High level of initiative, energy and drive.
• Strong learning agility and willingness to develop new skills.

MAIN COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Relating and Networking
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Deciding and Initiating Action
• Persuading and Influencing
• Applying Expertise and Technology
• Adhering to Principles and Values
• Planning and Organising
• Learning and Researching
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Qualification

• Diploma or degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, Commerce, Transport, Logistics or a related field.
• Diploma or qualification in Transport Solutions, Sales or a related commercial discipline.
• Formal sales training or sales programmes.

Experience

• Approximately 2–4 years' relevant commercial, sales, business development or customer-facing experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and achieve objectives.
• Experience working in a professional, target-driven environment.
• Experience in automotive, commercial vehicles, transport, logistics, fleet, industrial equipment or another B2B sales environment.
• Experience working with dealers, distributors or business customers.
• Exposure to regional or international markets.

About UD Trucks 

Part of the Isuzu group, UD Trucks is a global leading international commercial vehicle solutions provider headquartered in Japan. At UD Trucks, we are defining the next generation of smart logistics solutions through advanced innovations in automation, electro mobility and connectivity. UD Trucks develops, manufactures and sells a wide range of heavy, medium and light-duty trucks, operating in more than 60 countries across all continents. Our trucks and people go the extra mile for our customers and business partners, day in and day out.  

We are an 8,000+ strong team of colleagues with 40 nationalities who bring diversity and passion in delivering our products and services. We trust each other, work collaboratively and embrace change. At UD Trucks, our purpose is Better Life – to make life better for people and the planet. We have developed a culture that promotes:  

Diverse and friendly culture – Strong culture of diversity and inclusion, organizing annual events, daily activities and open communication platforms including various internal voluntary networks.  

Empowered growth – Global exposure and growth opportunities across functions and countries through internal mobility system and self-driven career opportunities, building a learning organization by enabling self-managed learning supported by the UD Academy.  

Flexibility with trust – We continue to fully support both remote working (where and when applicable) and flexible working hours, we actively encourage our colleagues to maintain a good work/life balance. You will have the autonomy and flexibility to split your working time between both our wonderful, modern and equipped HQ and remotely. 

Be part of our journey to create Better Life for society, for our customers and for yourself. UD Trucks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our colleagues.