Head of Account Management

Overview

Head of Account Management – Government Travel

Location : South Africa (Hybrid; national travel as required)

Type : Permanent

Remuneration : Market-related

Grow a trusted brand in a complex sector. Lead key accounts, payments and performance to new heights.

About the Role

As Head of Account Management, you’ll provide senior leadership to a specialist government-focused travel management division. Your mandate : protect and grow revenue, strengthen key client relationships, reduce payment risk, and position the brand for sustainable expansion. You’ll set the account strategy, shape budgets, and coach account teams to deliver measurable value—balancing commercial discipline with service excellence.

You’ll partner closely with the SVP / MD, Finance and functional heads on initiatives that streamline payment processes, minimise bad debt, and improve profitability. You’ll also keep a forward view on policy and legislative shifts, ensuring clients and internal teams are prepared for market changes.

Who the Client Is

A recognised corporate travel management group with a dedicated division serving the public sector. The organisation is known for its governance, stakeholder depth and ability to manage complex payment cycles while delivering safe, compliant and cost-effective travel programmes.

What You’ll Do

• Set the account management strategy and growth agenda for the division; compile sales and revenue budgets and track delivery.
• Drive profitability : ensure client revenues and margins meet expectations; apply the 80 / 20 focus to protect and grow top accounts.
• Streamline and simplify payment processes with government clients; implement controls that minimise poor payment and bad-debt risk.
• Serve as senior brand ambassador : engage at executive level with strategic clients and partners; represent the division at events and seminars.
• Monitor political, economic and legislative developments; brief clients and internal leaders on likely impacts and mitigation plans.
• Ensure client servicing aligns with the Code of Business Conduct and contractual obligations; review and refine SLAs and presentations.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to sharpen brand positioning and support potential regional expansion opportunities.
• Build strong internal partnerships across Client Services, Finance, Marketing, Yield / Procurement; run effective monthly product and performance forums.
• Lead and develop account teams : coaching, performance management and talent retention; foster a high-standard, client-centric culture.
• Produce accurate, timely reports and insights for the SVP / MD, Finance Director and Group leadership; execute ad-hoc strategic tasks as required.

What You Bring

What Success Looks Like

Realistic Preview : Rewards & Challenges

This is a hands-on leadership role in a nuanced, payment-complex segment. Expect demanding stakeholders, after-hours functions and intricate governance. The upside is meaningful impact : stronger public-sector partnerships, healthier cash cycles and a visible growth story you’ll help write.

#hiring #edge #kestria

#J-18808-Ljbffr