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Belonging at Absa

Absa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. In support of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) commitments and Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. We encourage applicants who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to let us know so that appropriate support can be provided.

Job Summary

To lead sustainable regional growth and protect the value of the existing customer portfolio through an equally weighted focus on business development and customer relationship management. The Regional Manager is accountable for new business acquisition, customer retention, increased share of wallet, revenue growth and profitability across the region. These outcomes are delivered through the leadership, coaching and performance management of a team of Business Development and Customer Relationship Consultants, supported by effective collaboration with internal product, credit, risk, operations and service teams. The role owns the regional customer lifecycle from prospecting and acquisition through onboarding, relationship deepening, service recovery, renewal and retention, positioning AVMS as the preferred fleet management and vehicle leasing partner.

Job Description

Regional Business Development & Market Growth

• Translate the AVMS strategy into a regional sales and customer growth plan with clear segment, production, revenue and profitability priorities.

• Build and maintain a balanced regional pipeline across Corporate, SME and Public Sector markets through proactive prospecting, networking, referrals and strategic partnerships.

• Lead the team through the full sales lifecycle, including needs analysis, solution design, pricing, proposal development, negotiation, closure and implementation handover.

• Achieve regional new business production, revenue, margin and market-share objectives within approved pricing, credit and risk parameters.

Customer Relations, Retention & Portfolio Growth

• Own the health, retention and growth of the regional customer portfolio with the same level of focus as new business acquisition.

• Implement a structured customer engagement model, including relationship plans, regular business reviews, service performance reviews and executive engagement for priority customers.

• Identify and convert cross-sell, upsell, renewal and fleet expansion opportunities to increase customer share of wallet across AVMS products and value-added services.

• Monitor customer satisfaction, complaints, service risks and early-warning indicators; coordinate timely service recovery and root-cause resolution to prevent attrition.

• Maintain clear retention and growth plans for customers at risk, strategic accounts and high-potential portfolios.

Consultant Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, coach and performance-manage a regional team of consultants accountable for acquisition, relationship management, retention and portfolio growth.

• Allocate customer portfolios, prospects and regional opportunities to ensure clear ownership, appropriate capacity and balanced coverage.

• Set individual and team targets and maintain a disciplined management rhythm covering pipeline, customer plans, renewals, service issues, wallet-growth opportunities and forecast accuracy.

• Build capability in consultative selling, fleet and leasing solutions, commercial acumen, negotiation, customer engagement and service recovery.

• Create a high-performance, customer-led culture with clear accountability, collaboration and succession planning.

Regional Customer & Commercial Governance

• Maintain a consolidated regional view of pipeline, portfolio performance, customer profitability, retention risk, wallet growth and service trends.

• Use customer, operational and financial insights to prioritise interventions and implement corrective action where performance is below plan.

• Ensure accurate forecasting, CRM discipline, management reporting and escalation of material commercial or customer risks.

• Balance customer outcomes, commercial returns and risk when making regional decisions.

Stakeholder Management & Service Delivery

• Coordinate Credit, Risk, Product, Operations, Finance, Legal and Customer Relations stakeholders to deliver integrated customer solutions and resolve regional delivery constraints.

• Ensure seamless onboarding and implementation of new customers, with clear handover, service commitments and accountability.

• Represent the voice of the customer in product, process and service-improvement forums and provide market intelligence to shape AVMS propositions.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to Absa policies, sales governance, delegated authorities and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Maintain complete and accurate approvals, customer records and deal documentation throughout the customer lifecycle.

• Manage customer information in accordance with POPIA and relevant legislation and promptly escalate conduct, service, operational and reputational risks.

Education

Bachelors Degree and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)