Head of Services – Southern & East Africa
Location: Elandsfontein
Company: Sulzer Pumps South Africa – Services Division
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us:
Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering, providing innovative and sustainable solutions across a range of industries. Our Services Division is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and reliability of our customers’ operations through comprehensive maintenance, repair, and optimization services. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Services – Southern & East Africa to lead and drive growth in our Services Division.
Job Summary:
Sulzer is looking for an experienced Head of Services -Southern and East Africa, who will provide leadership to direct and control all operations, develop a strategic plan to advance the Service Division’s mission and objectives and to promote revenue, profitability and growth as an organization. Oversee all operational areas of the business to ensure efficiencies, quality service and cost-effective management of resources. Leading quality, planning and procurement teams to drive scale and efficiency and to deliver better outcomes for the organisation, through transformative, comprehensive and self-sustaining Sales and Operational Excellence capabilities.
Main tasks and responsibilities
§ Identify, develop and direct the implementation of the subregion business strategy, mission, objectives and long-term goals
§ Plan and direct the organization’s activities to achieve agreed targets and standards for financial performance, quality, culture and legislative adherence
§ Lead, guide evaluate and develop the Management team, with operational responsibilities, to ensure that the organization achieves its business objectives and complies with all relevant regulations and laws
§ Execute the responsibilities of a Company Director according to lawful and ethical standards
§ Ensure employees move in the same strategic direction to achieve its mission
§ Create and report on business plans, monitoring its efficacy and progress
§ Remain close to all stakeholders including group management, staff, customers, key-decision makers and external suppliers
§ Research and implement new initiatives to drive revenue, lower operating costs while maintaining quality products that are competitive and deliver excellent customer support
§ Promote the wellness of staff and implementing policies to create a diverse and positive working environment
§ Oversee the opening and closing of facilities
§ Working closely with the various teams and have the overall P&L responsibility for Southern and East Africa Region.
§ Propose and implement a highly functional and lean organization, in order to maximize performance and reach agreed targets.
§ Develop and execute the Southern and Central African strategy plan
o Implement a long-term growth plan for Southern and Central Africa in line with the ambitious yearly growth objectives that are solidly backed up with relevant Must Win Battles and initiatives.
o Collaborate with the Regional Sales Director to optimize the routes to market, ensure that the relevant support capacity is in place to support the service and quality image of the company as well as the development of new vertical segments in the different markets.
§ Develop sales, service & support activities.
o Align and maximize sales activities
o Manage the sales funnel together with the Regional Sales Director.
o Apply a market application minded and continuously study applications of the product offering in the key segments.
o Monitor competitor activities and provide consolidated market intelligence reports on a regular basis to support the continuous improvement of our offering and positioning.
o Develop service & support activities.
o Ensure the capacity and competency to technically support the installed base and manage installations and commissioning of products/solution as needed.
o Ensure that technical resources are continuously trained on all relevant products promoted within Southern and East Africa region.
o Provide leadership to direct and control all operations.
§ Ensure that group HR activities and guidelines are properly implemented.
§ Ensure compliance of OHSA
§ Ensure compliance of POPIA
Qualifications and Experience:
· Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Engineering, Finance, Economics, or a related field (essential).
· Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) in Business, Strategy, or Leadership (preferred).
· 15+ years of progressive leadership experience, preferably within industrial services, manufacturing, or engineering sectors.
· Proven track record in executive management, business strategy, and financial leadership.
· Experience in leading profit and loss (P&L) accountability for a business unit or division.
· Strong background in business growth, operational efficiency, and customer relationship management.
· Experience in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships, and international business expansion is a plus.
Knowledge Required
· Operational Excellence: Expertise in driving efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.
· Stakeholder Management: Strong communication and relationship-building skills with investors, board members, and key customers.
· Innovation & Change Management: Ability to lead digital transformation and adapt to evolving market trends.
· People Leadership: Ability to inspire, mentor, and build high-performing teams.
· Industry-Specific Knowledge (for Sulzer Services)
o Understanding of rotating equipment services, industrial maintenance, and engineering solutions.
o Familiarity with aftermarket services, supply chain management, and customer service models.
o Awareness of sustainability initiatives, energy efficiency, and industrial digitalization trends.
Additional Requirements:
· Leadership
· Safety leadership
· Financial acumen
· Continuous improvement focused
· Quality driven
· Results driven
· Relationship management
· Stakeholder management
· Influence
· Critical decision making
· Inclusive & collaborative
· Multi-level communication
No visa or work permit support can be provided for this role.
Do you have a question about the role?
Reach out to the talent acquistion team at the following email address: jane.naidu@sulzer.com. Apply with your employee profile in SuccessFactors, make sure you complete the relevant sections before submitting your application.
We are looking forward hearing from you!
Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2025 in Brazil, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.