Senior Sales Engineer

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive.

About the role

The Senior Sales Engineer will operate in the Mining Sector, with specific focus on Hard Rock (Underground and Open Cast) Mining customers within South Africa. This role involves identifying new opportunities at both existing and new customers, leading commercial negotiations, and driving sales and EBITDA targets. A key requirement is to increase Kennametal’s market share through product development and interdepartmental collaboration. The position also provides direction and support to local management and other sales engineers while requiring long-term planning to achieve growth ambitions.

Responsibilities

• Drive Kennametal’s cultural beliefs: Customer First, Everyone Matters, Own It, Be Bold, Focus Now.
• Develop and maintain relationships within the sector at End User, Original Equipment Manufacturer, Fabricator, and Distributor levels.
• Identify business opportunities and generate sales while maintaining budgeted margins.
• Develop and articulate the sales strategy for the role.
• Prepare sales and engineering reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information.
• Support sales forecasting, plan preparation, and sales inventory planning.
• Lead in the design, production, engineering, or research and development process to enhance products and services for customer needs.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through reviewing publications and establishing personal networks.

Requirements

• Technical Engineering Qualification – preferably in fabrication, manufacturing, or design of metal components used in mining or adjacent industries.
• 5+ years of sales and sales leadership experience.
• Proven commercial understanding with a track record of developing and executing strategies and action plans.
• Experience managing Key Accounts and Distributors within the mining industry.

Skills

• Broad knowledge of the Underground and Open Cast Mining industry.
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing, machine design, welding, and fabrication.
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Strong business and commercial acumen.
• Strong influencing skills at multiple organizational levels.
• Process-oriented mindset with experience in Sales productivity tools and systems (CRM, SAP, etc.).
• Independent self-starter and team-player with a structured, analytical working style.
• Fluent in English (speaking and writing).
• Willingness to travel frequently, including overnight stays.
• Ability to cooperate effectively externally and within Kennametal.
• Excellent planning skills with a result- and performance-driven focus.

Competencies

• Acting Decisively
• Acting Strategically
• Communicating Effectively
• Creating an Inclusive Environment
• Customer Focus
• Driving Continuous Improvement
• Driving for Results
• Safety Focus
• Integrity & Business Ethics