Why Join Our Client?
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a respected engineering organisation supplying world-class hydraulic equipment to South Africa's leading mining companies.
The successful candidate will enjoy a high level of autonomy, strong executive support and the opportunity to influence regional strategy while building lasting partnerships across one of South Africa's most important mining regions. Ideally we want a person who has worked in underground mining as a Mechanical Engineer or a Mining Engineer.
 
Position Overview
Our client is a leading supplier of hydraulic equipment and engineering solutions to the South African mining industry. They are seeking a dynamic and commercially driven Area Manager to take full responsibility for the Steelpoort and Burgersfort mining region.
The successful incumbent will be responsible for managing all commercial, operational and financial activities within the region while developing long-term strategic partnerships with mining houses, contractors and engineering service providers.
This position combines technical engineering expertise with business leadership and requires an individual who is equally comfortable engaging with General Managers, Engineering Managers, Maintenance Managers, Foremen, Artisans and underground production teams.
The successful candidate must have extensive exposure to underground mining operations and be willing to spend significant time underground ensuring products are correctly installed, commissioned and supported.
 
Purpose of the Role
To maximise regional profitability through strategic sales growth, operational excellence, customer relationship management and technical leadership while ensuring the safe application and reliable performance of hydraulic power equipment within underground mining operations.
The Area Manager will serve as the primary representative of the company within the region and will be accountable for business growth, customer satisfaction, operational performance and financial results.
 
Key Responsibilities
Regional Business Management

• Assume full accountability for the overall performance and profitability of the Steelpoort region.
• Develop and implement annual regional business plans.
• Drive sustainable revenue growth while improving gross profit margins.
• Identify new business opportunities within existing and new mining operations.
• Develop regional sales strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Monitor regional performance against budget and business targets.
• Analyse market trends and competitor activity.
• Prepare monthly management reports and regional performance presentations.
• Ensure compliance with company governance and reporting requirements.

 
Financial Management

• Prepare annual operating budgets.
• Manage departmental expenditure.
• Control operating costs and overheads.
• Monitor regional profitability.
• Manage inventory investment and stock holding.
• Improve stock turnover.
• Control obsolete stock.
• Approve quotations within delegated authority.
• Ensure accurate forecasting of sales and inventory requirements.
• Manage debtors together with the finance department.
• Drive working capital improvements.

 
Sales & Business Development

• Develop strategic relationships with mining companies throughout Limpopo.
• Grow existing customer accounts.
• Secure new contracts within underground and surface mining operations.
• Promote the company's complete hydraulic power equipment portfolio.
• Prepare and present technical proposals.
• Conduct customer presentations.
• Lead commercial negotiations.
• Prepare quotations and tenders.
• Manage contract renewals.
• Identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Develop key account strategies.
• Achieve monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets.
• Increase market share within the assigned territory.

 
Customer Relationship Management
Develop long-term relationships with:

• General Managers
• Mine Managers
• Engineering Managers
• Plant Managers
• Maintenance Managers
• Engineering Foremen
• Section Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Reliability Engineers
• Procurement Managers
• Supply Chain Departments
• Maintenance Planners
• Technical Buyers
• Shaft Engineers
• Underground Supervisors
• Mining Contractors
• OEM partners

Become the trusted technical advisor for all customers within the assigned territory.
 
Technical Support
Provide expert technical support regarding:

• Hydraulic Power Units
• Hydraulic Cylinders
• Hydraulic Pumps
• Hydraulic Motors
• Hydraulic Valves
• Filtration Systems
• Hose Assemblies
• Hydraulic Power Packs
• Hydraulic Tooling
• Pressure Systems
• Fluid Power Equipment

Support customers by:

• Conducting site inspections
• Performing equipment assessments
• Diagnosing application problems
• Recommending engineering solutions
• Assisting with commissioning
• Supporting breakdown investigations
• Identifying improvement opportunities
• Providing after-sales support

 
Underground Mining Support
A significant portion of this role requires underground mine visits.
Responsibilities include:

• Visiting underground operations regularly.
• Conducting installation inspections.
• Ensuring equipment is installed according to engineering standards.
• Verifying product performance underground.
• Supporting commissioning teams.
• Assisting customers during shutdowns.
• Investigating equipment failures.
• Providing technical guidance during breakdowns.
• Ensuring compliance with mine safety standards.
• Building relationships with underground maintenance teams.

The successful candidate must be medically fit and willing to work underground on a regular basis.
 
Leadership & People Management
Lead and develop the regional team including:

• Sales Representatives
• Sales Technicians
• Field Service Technicians
• Hydraulic Technicians
• Artisans
• Service Coordinators
• Administrative Personnel

Responsibilities include:

• Performance management
• Coaching
• Mentoring
• Recruitment
• Succession planning
• Training and development
• Resource planning
• Productivity improvement
• Performance reviews
• Health and safety leadership

 
Inventory & Supply Chain

• Manage regional inventory.
• Forecast stock requirements.
• Improve stock availability.
• Reduce excess inventory.
• Coordinate with central warehouses.
• Monitor stock accuracy.
• Support procurement planning.
• Improve inventory turnover.

 
SHEQ Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with:

• Mine Health and Safety Act
• Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Company SHEQ standards
• Customer safety requirements
• Environmental legislation
• Quality Management Systems

Promote a strong safety culture within the region.
 
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications

• BTech Degree in Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical Engineering (minimum requirement).
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering will be advantageous.
• Management qualification advantageous.
• Project Management qualification advantageous.

 
Experience
Minimum 8–10 years' experience in:

• Mining industry
• Technical sales
• Engineering services
• Hydraulic equipment
• Fluid power systems
• Business development
• Key account management
• Regional management
• Team leadership
• Budget management

 
Technical Knowledge
Strong understanding of:

• Underground mining operations
• Hydraulic systems
• Engineering equipment
• Mechanical maintenance
• Condition monitoring
• Mining shutdowns
• Maintenance planning
• Technical troubleshooting

 
Mandatory Requirements

• Valid driver's licence.
• Valid Red Ticket.
• Valid Certificate of Fitness.
• Medically fit to work underground.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Office and CRM systems).
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Limpopo.
• Ability to work after hours and during planned mine shutdowns when required.

 
Behavioural Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen.
• Exceptional leadership ability.
• Excellent relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker.
• Results driven.
• Self-motivated.
• Highly organised.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Customer focused.
• Professional under pressure.
• High level of integrity.
• Strong analytical ability.
• Sound decision-making capability.

 
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Revenue growth.
• Gross profit achievement.
• Regional profitability.
• Customer retention.
• New business acquisition.
• Tender success rate.
• Inventory management.
• Budget adherence.
• Team performance.
• Customer satisfaction.
• SHEQ compliance.
• Technical support response time.
• Regional market share growth.