Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Nonhlanhla Sithole

Centurion,GP

Summary

With 13 years of experience in the chemical industry, I am a highly skilled Key Account Manager. Throughout my career, I have successfully managed technical and sales activities, building strong customer relationships. I am passionate about expanding our customer base and exploring new markets, always seeking new challenges. My growth in this field is driven by my leadership abilities and strategic focus. Additionally, I have a proven track record in developing long-term business strategies, utilizing relationship-building techniques and effective communication to consistently exceed client expectations. My strong negotiation skills and strategic planning contribute to sustained business growth and client satisfaction.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Account Manager

BASF
01.2023 - Current
  • Promoted to this role in 2023, with the additional responsibility for managing 70% of revenue for the BU and ensuring that the business grows profitably
  • The customers span 2 industries and across sub-Sahara Africa, this role involves review and management of P&L to deliver results for the business including managing inventories, customer journey mapping and influencing customer behavior to deliver for the business
  • Developed long-lasting client relationships by providing exceptional customer service and support.
  • The key focus of this role is to focus on innovative and sustainable products to drive growth
  • Enhanced communication between departments for more effective problem-solving and collaboration.
  • Developed deep knowledge of customer businesses and relationship to company objectives.
  • Key account management is central to this role, in dealing with customer matrix structures and internal complexities of working across large transnational teams
  • Analyzed data on client behavior patterns to inform future account management strategies, resulting in higher retention rates.
  • Mentored junior account management professionals to develop skills and increase company revenue.
  • Maintained detailed records of all account activities, ensuring accurate reporting for upper management review purposes later on.
  • Leveraged industry knowledge to provide expert guidance on pricing, promotions, and product offerings for clients'' specific needs.
  • Regularly updated sales forecasts based upon current pipeline status/anticipated deal closures, allowing for accurate resource allocation/planning within the organization.
  • Sold new products and services and developed new accounts to maximize revenue potential.
  • Worked with customers to develop strategic business and account plans.
  • Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
  • Met existing customers to review current services and expand sales opportunities.
  • Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
  • Conducted regular reviews of each managed portfolio''s performance against objectives/targets – taking corrective action as necessary if any shortfalls were identified.
  • Consolidate, track and monitor sales budgets proposing mitigation to ensure results are achieved
  • Built diverse and consistent sales portfolio.

Account Manager

BASF
01.2016 - 01.2023
  • Promoted to this role in 2016, with main responsibility being for South African smaller to mid-sized customers
  • Through strategy and mapping the customer journey, introduced for the first time distribution channel for smaller to mid-sized customers to increase footprint and increase focus on global key accounts which are the core business
  • Generated 2 new accounts for the business in this time and grew them to a turnover of 1 mioEuro in 2 years, by focusing on the technical expertise and offering dynamic solutions for customer challenges
  • Additional responsibility for exports started in 2017 and this business has grown at a rate of 10% by volume since then
  • Increased client satisfaction by building strong relationships and addressing their needs promptly.
  • Maintained high client retention rate by providing exceptional customer service and anticipating client needs.
  • Conducted regular account reviews to identify areas for improvement and ensure continued success.
  • Developed customized account plans for clients to help them achieve their business goals.
  • Conducted quarterly business reviews with major accounts to assess satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
  • Drove revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities within existing accounts.
  • Leveraged CRM tools to maintain accurate records of client interactions and transactions.
  • Enhanced team performance with regular training sessions on product knowledge and customer service excellence.
  • Achieved recognition for outstanding client service, contributing to team's reputation for excellence.
  • Spearheaded coordination of cross-functional teams for delivering customized solutions that met client needs.
  • Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
  • Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
  • Stayed current on company offerings and industry trends.
  • Increased sales with execution of full sales cycle processing from initial lead processing through conversion and closing.
  • Consulted with businesses to supply accurate product and service information.

Technical Manager

BASF
01.2015 - 01.2016
  • This role supported the technical requirements of customers, by advising the sales team when complaints from customers arise and identifying key projects with account managers to drive business growth
  • This role was a key support to our customers when introducing new or challenging products in their portfolio and required resilience and resourcefulness to offer the solutions required

Various Technical Roles

Kansai Plascon
01.2011 - 01.2014
  • Held various technical roles at Kansai Plascon, started as a lab technician and through promotion, held last position as Raw material QC&QA Manager for 5 Kansai Labs across South Africa
  • This responsibility included taking care of lab and QC managers to support the quality improvements across the company and coordinating the requirements with various internal stakeholders to reduce the rejection rate in the plant and to save cost

Education

PDBA - Business Management

Gordons Institute of Business Science
01.2023

Master of Science - Polymer Chemistry

Stellenbosch University
01.2011

Skills

  • Supply Chain Analysis
  • Team Skill Enhancement
  • Inventory Coordination
  • Technical Innovation Proficiency
  • Effective Technical Presentations
  • Strategic Account Management
  • Identifying Business Opportunities
  • Profit and Loss Management
  • Effective Leadership
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Critical Decision Making
  • Market Expansion Initiatives

Timeline

Senior Account Manager

BASF
01.2023 - Current

Account Manager

BASF
01.2016 - 01.2023

Technical Manager

BASF
01.2015 - 01.2016

Various Technical Roles

Kansai Plascon
01.2011 - 01.2014

Master of Science - Polymer Chemistry

Stellenbosch University

PDBA - Business Management

Gordons Institute of Business Science

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Nonhlanhla Sithole