Business Development Manager & Product Specialist Steam Turbine and Compressor – Sub-Saharan Africa Region
Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.
About the role Job SummaryResponsible for driving business development, product specialization, sales enablement, and strategic opportunity leadership to strengthen Sulzer’s position as the leading independent service provider for industrial steam turbines and process gas compressors. Serving as the regional focal point for Steam Turbines & Compressors (ST&C) across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the role implements the global Product Line strategy by translating strategic objectives into actionable regional go-to-market plans.
The position ensures alignment with Sulzer’s overall business strategy while adapting initiatives to local market dynamics, supporting growth, customer engagement, and sustainable market leadership.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Division: Sulzer Services
Sulzer is a global leader in engineering and services, dedicated to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers. We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Manager & Product Specialist – Steam Turbine & Compressor Services to lead the growth of our Steam Turbine & Compressor (ST&C) business across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This is a strategic regional role combining business development, product specialization, sales enablement, and opportunity leadership to strengthen Sulzer's position as the leading independent service provider for industrial steam turbines and process gas compressors. Acting as the regional focal point for ST&C, you will translate global product line strategies into impactful regional growth initiatives while building long-term customer relationships and expanding Sulzer's market presence across Africa.
What You Will Be Doing- Drive profitable growth of Sulzer's Turbine & Compressor Services portfolio across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Develop and execute regional go-to-market strategies aligned with global ST&C objectives.
- Identify, qualify, and convert opportunities across diverse industrial sectors and multi-OEM installed bases.
- Support and enable sales teams through technical-commercial expertise and opportunity development.
- Lead strategic, high-value pursuits and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver winning customer solutions.
- Build strong relationships with customers, asset owners, operators, EPCs, and business partners across the region.
- Promote Sulzer's "One Sulzer" approach by leveraging global engineering, service centre, field service, and technical expertise.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to support sustainable growth.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent qualification.
- Minimum of 8 years' experience within the industrial turbomachinery service industry.
- Demonstrated experience with industrial steam turbines and/or process gas compressors.
- Strong technical and commercial acumen with the ability to develop and deliver customer-focused solutions.
- Proven track record in business development, opportunity management, and sales leadership.
- Experience operating within matrix organizations and emerging markets will be advantageous.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
This role requires regular travel throughout Sub-Saharan Africa (approximately 40–60%) and the ability to work effectively in diverse and emerging market environments.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will contribute to:
- Revenue and order intake growth.
- Increased installed base penetration and market share.
- Strategic opportunity wins and long-term service agreements.
- Enhanced regional ST&C capability and sales effectiveness.
- Sustainable profitability and customer value creation.
At Sulzer, we believe in Seizing Opportunities, Owning It, Teaming Up, and Creating Value. You will join a collaborative global organization where innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement drive success. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of our ST&C business across Sub-Saharan Africa while working with industry-leading experts and customers.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply today and help us deliver superior service solutions across Africa.
Performance-based incentive opportunities.
Medical aid and retirement fund benefits (subject to company policy).
Group life and disability cover.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Professional development and continuous learning opportunity
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 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent
- Minimum 8 years' experience in the industrial turbomachinery service industry
- Demonstrated experience with industrial steam turbines and/or process gas compressors
- Proven track record in business development, opportunity management, and sales leadership
- Strong technical and commercial acumen to develop and deliver customer-focused solutions
- Experience operating within matrix organizations and emerging markets
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to travel regularly across Sub-Saharan Africa (~40-60%) and work in diverse emerging markets
What We Do
Sulzer Ltd. is a global leader in fluid engineering and chemical processing applications, specializing in energy-efficient pumping, agitation, mixing, separation, and purification technologies for fluids of all types. The company provides critical applications for core infrastructure and large essential industries worldwide, supporting energy security and process efficiency. Its innovative solutions enable carbon emission reductions and the development of sustainable polymers, contributing to a circular economy.
