Sales Director Africa (Sub Sahara) Laboratory and Analytical Technology (m/f/d)

Sales Director Africa (Sub Sahara) Laboratory and Analytical Technology (m/f/d)

IKA is the place where people turn visions in laboratory and analytical technology, process engineering, bioprocessing, and electric vehicle battery solutions into reality. We are a future-proof, internationally active family-owned company with a strong team spirit.

Founded in 1910, IKA quickly became the global market leader in laboratory technology as well as dispersing, stirring, and kneading equipment. Today, we employ nearly 1,000 people across 17 locations on five continents.

As a Sales Director Africa, you will be responsible for driving sustainable business growth across Sub-Saharan Africa by developing and executing market expansion strategies, building and leading high-performing sales teams, and strengthening distributor, partner, and key customer relationships. The role requires a strategic and entrepreneurial leader who can analyze market trends, manage sales performance through KPIs, establish local sales organizations, and deliver profitable growth while effectively balancing regional market needs with global business objectives. Extensive travel and close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders are essential to the role.

 

Tasks & Responsibilities

Market Expansion & Development

• Identify and develop attractive market segments across the region.
• Create and implement country-specific sales strategies.
• Establish and strengthen a sustainable market position for products and solutions.
• Lead continuous market development and management with a regional focus.

Channel Partner Network Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with specialist dealers, distributors, and sales partners.
• Identify, select, develop, and manage local sales channels.
• Ensure broad market coverage through effective partner networks.
• Drive sustainable revenue growth through indirect sales channels.

Customer Relationship & Direct Sales Growth

• Expand and strengthen relationships with key end customers.
• Increase direct sales revenues across the region.
• Identify market needs and customer requirements through direct engagement.
• Develop strategic customer relationships to secure long-term business opportunities.
• Provide professional consultative support, particularly for complex capital equipment and solutions.

Local Sales Organization Development

• Establish and grow local sales organizations in key target markets.
• Recruit onboard, develop, and lead local sales teams.
• Build independent, high-performing sales structures.
• Enhance customer proximity and local market intelligence.
• Create a strong foundation for sustainable business growth.

Qualifications & Skills

• Background in economics/business or natural sciences.
• 10+ years of sales experience in laboratory or medical technology.
• 5+ years of experience in international omnichannel sales.
• Preferably professional experience with African customers and business partners.
• Leadership experience in managing virtual teams.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Proven experience leading small to mid-sized, high-performing sales teams, along with the ability to successfully expand the organization further.
• Demonstrated track record in roles of increasing responsibility.
• Strong strategic acumen, combined with a proven ability and clear focus on successfully implementing strategies.
• Proven ability to identify trends, patterns, and insights using tools such as Excel, CRM systems, and business intelligence platforms, and to derive actionable measures from them.
• Extensive experience in defining and tracking relevant KPIs, setting measurable goals, and regularly monitoring progress against these metrics.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Team-oriented, hands-on personality with a willingness to collaborate closely with other members of the leadership team to achieve shared success.
• Positive mindset and a proven ability to successfully address customers' business challenges with appropriate solutions.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and proactive approach, with a working style well-suited to a family-owned business.
• Resourceful, capable of working independently of extensive support structures, and willing to go the extra mile.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a European company, balancing regulatory requirements with local market needs.
• Willing and able to undertake extensive travel within the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

What We Offer

• An exciting working environment
• Personalized training and development opportunities
• The chance to work in a globally recognized company and contribute to strengthening the IKA brand
• Competitive remuneration
• A dynamic, agile team and an innovative working environment