Simon Muraguri
Nairobi
Summary
Technical Sales, Marketing and Business development Management professional with over 15 years expertise in Eastern and Sub-Saharan Africa. Seeking to offer Engineering Sales Management/ Business Development services, in an innovative firm employing leading edge technology, which is aggressively expanding due to the high-quality products and solutions, services, people and enabling corporate culture. Significantly contribute to the achievement of the company’s objectives and goals relative to the mission.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
POWER & UPS PROJECT SALES MANAGER
LEGRAND E.A.LTD.
NAIROBI, Kenya
01.2017 - 11.2025
- Responsible for L.V. switchgear including Electrical Power Distribution boards, Sub-distribution boards, Dry Cast Resin power distribution transformers, AVR, insulated power distribution busbars, UPS, and wiring accessories and Digital Lighting management solutions (DLM). Legrand Wattstopper USA, Project sales in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
- Sales of structured networking cable solutions, copper & fibre.
- Preparing quotations in liaison with BDM Data Centre APMEASA region for Data Centre power distribution solutions, (Grey room), and white room, Cold & Hot aisle cooling solution. i.e., Dry cast resin transformers, insulated sandwich power distribution busbars, (Zucchini-Bticino), open channel busbars (Starlite), UPS, racks & networking Cabinets, Patch panels, PDUs.
- Cable management: Cable trays, trunking and cable ladders, (Legrand Brands, Raritan for PDUs, Minkels BV for racks, networking Cabinets, Linkeo.
- Business Development. Recruitment, development of new Distributors, Stock sales and after sales service support to appointed distributors and Switchboard Assemblers/ Manufacturers in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to realize set business goals.
- Regular customer sales visits and presentation and pitching for Legrand solutions portfolio under my responsibility in the E.A. market region.i.e., Electrical engineering consultants, electrical installation works contractors, Industries and Investors.
- Sale of LV switchgear and UPS of about Euro 100,000/- CCBRT Hospital project in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Nurse call system & rising mains insulated busbars solution(MR 1000A , Zucchini) in Kenya for a hospital & commercial development projects respectively.
- Recruited one partner for Low voltage switchgear panel assembly and two new retailer distributors for L.V switchgear components and UPS Integrator in Kenya.
- Functioned as the key UPS technical sales and after sales support resource person for appointed distributors in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania and attended training in Italy on testing & commissioning.
- Successfully closed UPS business for about Euro100,000/= Hospital project in Kenya.
- Closed a sales Digital Lighting Management solution (Legrand Wattstopper USA) about USD 40,000/= for a project in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
- Attended training for UPS after sales service, commissioning in Italy and Kenya, LV Switchboards design & assembly in France & Lebanon, Smart Home solutions, and PDU’s.
- Attended virtual training on Legrand electrical vehicle chargers (E.V.) solution and successfully closed the 1st order in Kenya.
- Visited electrical power installations contractors, electrical engineering consultants and factories in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and established a wide network of business contacts.
FREELANCE ASSIGNMENTS IN SALES, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & POWER GENERATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
09.2013 - 12.2016
- Marketing and sale, Business Development for Aluminium EC, Alloy & Copper rod, Aluminium overhead line conductors to customers in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, and Zambia.
- Sales of spare parts for electro-mechanical equipment, (laundry, Kitchen equipment, Generators, preparing quotations, for electrical switchgear components, cables and motors, Variable Speed drives, pneumatic valves, light fittings, Installation Materials, etc.
- Prospecting for business and customer visits.
- Short Assignment with a Consultant for small Hydro Power Projects (Run off the river) development and project financing sourcing to prepare project proposals for small-Hydro power generation project on River Yala (Western Kenya) 5MW and Rianjue Mini Hydro Project 2.5MW. - in Kirinyaga, Central Kenya region.
- Closed a deal with a Kenyan electric copper cables manufacturer for USD 200,000/= buying copper rods from Fujaira Gold FZE of UAE.
- Regular sales for electro-mechanical spare parts & electrical control gear components for automatic dish washing equipment, laundry machines and factory production line equipment to hotels in Mombasa and Cement Mill plant.
- Gained knowledge on high capital investment project financing and approval process, and interacted with finance, project promoters, Bank officials and technical experts during meetings, Visits to the development site.
SALES MANAGER
ABB KENYA LTD.
06.2012 - 09.2013
- Managing staff of six Sales Engineers, Coordinating training for Channel Partners (Authorized Distributors) sales/Engineering staff.
- Sales and marketing, Business development for the automation control and low voltage power distribution products. e.g., Variable speed drives, Motors, Circuit breakers, UPS, Diesel Electric power generators, Low voltage Distribution Boards business Prospecting, Customer visits e.g. Electrical engineering Consultants, Electrical Contractors, Cement mills, Steel Rolling Mills, F& Beverage, Material Handling i.e Kenya Port Authority, Power Generation i.e Kengen, etc.
- Prepare business reports and product presentations, managing and leading the LPDM Department i.e., Market intelligence reports, Business planning, business review meetings, tracking target achievement, and performance review.
- Key accounts Management i.e., Channel partners/ Distributors, large accounts i.e Manufacturers, Utilities.
- Brought on board new accounts in the Tea sector, Steel & Cement Mills creating more demand for ABB automation control and energy management products.
- Business volume increased from below USD1Million achieved in previous year to about USD I.6Million by 3rd Quarter.
- Organized a marketing Seminar event in Nairobi for electrical contractors, Key Accounts Electro-mechanical engineering consultants, channel partners to launch an improved ABB switchgear solution and a training Seminar for ABB KNX Building automation products solution.
- Participated in evaluation and recruitment of a channel partner for ABB UPS product. Secured orders of about USD150, 000/= being a stock order and customer order for UPS that were to be concluded in the 4th quarter of the year.
- Attended project management training in ABB South Africa, LV switchgear panel design and assembly training in Garbagnate Monastero, and Bergamo in ABB Italy.
INDEPENDENT SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUB SAHARA AFRICA
04.2010 - 05.2012
- Business Development for non- metals, Aluminium EC, Alloy rod and wires, copper rod, cathodes, overhead line conductors and cables, electro-mechanical equipment, Diesel electric Power generators, LV & MV electrical Switchgear and distribution transformers.
- Prospecting for business, obtaining quotations from suppliers and coordinating between the suppliers and customers in the sales process.ie establishment of letters of credit, hedging LME metal prices, Preparation of sales contracts.
- Engineering solutions application in power generation, distribution and facilitating quotations for tenders, working with network of electrical engineering consultants.
- Successfully made sales of Aluminium and Copper rod to customers in Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya and Sudan and achieved a volume of about USD7 Million.
- Successfully negotiated and closed a sale of about USD 1.6 Million with a Nigerian cable manufacturer based in Lagos for 8.0mm diameter copper rod.
- Successfully closed a sale of USD1.5Million /= for supply of 9.0mm Diameter Aluminum rod to a Kenyan Cable Manufacturer.
BUSINESS MANAGER SUB-SAHARA AFRICA
MIDAL CABLES LTD, BAHRAIN
09.2007 - 04.2010
- Sales and Business Development for High and Medium voltage overhead line conductors in the regional market, 33kv to 400kv, visiting power utilities, electrical cable and conductor manufacturers, regional power development bodies i.e. NELSAP, CEPGL, and SINELAC in the Great Lakes region (Rwanda, Burundi and DRC).
- Preparing quotations on ERP System Oracle, filling-in tenders, negotiating prices, contracts and hedging LME aluminium prices, order processing and follow up.
- Business development, Sales and Marketing of Aluminum EC rod, alloy rod and wires in Sub-Sahara Market region.
- Management of the regional office in Nairobi, compiling market and business reports for Head office in Bahrain, business travel with-in the Sub-Saharan regional market to electrical cable/ MV Overhead line conductors manufacturers and Power Utility companies.
- Increased the number of accounts of Aluminium rod customers in Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Sudan and Belgium.
- Achieved business volume of about USD 9.4Million exclusive of South Africa Market.
- Successfully closed a sale of USD630,000/= for overhead line conductor to a Belgium based company, Pauwels International N.V for a Kenyan 132kv Overhead transmission line project.
- Developed a large network of business contacts in Cable Manufacturing Companies, Contractors from India, Norway and Bosnia Herzegovina, Belgium, Spain. Visited Power Utility Companies and the cable factories in Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Zambia, Sudan and Ghana.
- Gained valuable Knowledge on Regional Power Pools interconnection network bodies e.g. SAPP, WAPP, EAPP, NELSAP, SINELAC, Western Corridor Power Pool, etc. and project development types BOOT, EPC, BOT Projects , with-in Africa and funding institutions such as IBRD, ADB, AFD, ECOWAS, Etc. and insights to look for power projects, Grand Inga 100,000MW Power Project in DRC.
SERVICE & PRODUCT SALES ENGINEER
ATLAS COPCO E.A. LTD
08.2002 - 09.2007
- Sales and Marketing of Diesel Electric power generators responsible for the Eastern Africa Region including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan.
- Prepare quotations, fill in tenders, technical specifications and prices, carry out load surveys to determine generator sizes, supervise and commission installations.
- Sales of Service contracts, service and spare parts for Generators, Compressors.
- Customer visits, prospecting for generator business.
- Attending generator and Compressor Sales and Marketing training, Aftermarket Service sales training seminars in Atlas Copco factory in Antwerp Belgium., Egypt and Training technicians.
- Achievement of budget for generator sales of USD 300,000 = for the Atlas Copco Diesel electric Generators product range inclusive stocks.
- Closed an order of about USD40,000. for Somken Petroleum Company in Kenya.
- Provided technical sales support for tenders to Atlas Copco E.A ltd generator distributors in Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Mauritius and Madagascar.
- Increased the number of customers and business volume to include petroleum products distributors, Factories, Hospitals, Mining.
- Built strong business relationships and networks by visiting customers and distributors in the Eastern Africa Region Market. i.e. Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania.
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
ASEA BROWN BOVERI TANELEC LTD, TANZANIA
05.1999 - 01.2002
- Sales and Marketing of ABB Power Distribution transformers, MV and LV switchgear Switchgear panels, Control gear, prepare quotations, fill tenders.
- Sales of auxiliary equipment e.g. battery power supplies, XLPE cables and termination Kits, voltage stabilizers, electrical installation materials.
- Coordinate importation of transformers to Customers from ABB Tanelec ltd factory in Arusha, Tanzania, Price negotiations with non –ABB Suppliers, coordinate import and logistics.
- Prospecting, site/ customer visits, organize for Factory visits by clients in Arusha, Tanzania. Working with Electrical Engineering Consultants and Electrical installation works Contractors to specify and use ABB Products to create demand.
- Sale of a medium voltage Power factor solution including supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 3.3kV ABB power factor Banks for Nairobi City Gigiri water pumping station at about USD75, 000/=. Sales of a 11/0.433kv Medium Voltage substation solution to a Musoma Fish Factory for USD50,000/=
- Achievement of annual Business volume of USD300, 000/= Exclusive of tender business to KPLC.
SALES ENGINEER: SWITCHGEAR, LIGHTING, FLAMEPROOF EQUIPMENT
POWER TECHNICS LIMITED
05.1996 - 04.1999
- Proposing technical solutions to match client needs and specifications.
- Collaborated with the technical sales team to sell Schneider LV switchgear and automation products/solutions, present, and demonstrate the working application of Schneider automation products and Thorn lighting solutions.
SERVICE TECHNICIAN – MEDIUM VOLTAGE SWITCHGAR INSTALLATION
REYROLLE SWITCHGEAR PTY LTD
06.1995 - 12.1995
- Training for 7 weeks on MV Switchgear assembly in Reyrolle Switchgear PTY Johannesburg Factory IN South Africa.
- Offloading, MV electrical switchgear, transformers, and associated 16 MVA substation electrical and mechanical erection equipment on site at the Athi River Portland Cement PLC project site.
- Erection and mounting of equipment on site.
ELECTRICAL SERVICES TECHNICIAN
HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL NAIROBI
05.1993 - 06.1995
TRAINEE SALES & MARKETING HOTEL SERVICES
HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL NAIROBI
03.1995 - 04.1995
TRAINEE ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN- INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT
CARNUAD METAL BOX, NAIROBI
10.1991 - 03.1992
Education
Management University of Africa - Business Management and leadership
Management University of Africa
Nairobi03.2014
Diploma - Business Management
Kenya Institute of Management
12.1994
Diploma - Electrical Engineering
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
01.1992
K. A. C. E. -
Khamis High School
01.1988
K. C. E. -
Garba Tula High School
01.1986
Skills
- Project management
- Customer relationship management
- Business development
- Electrical engineering
- Technical sales
- Data analysis
Sales presentation
Solution selling
Strategic account development
Key account development
Sales operations
Excellent communication skills
Complex project negotiations
Prospecting and telemarketing
Territory and account management
Strategic planning
Rapport and relationship building
Direct sales
Pipeline management
Product and service management
Service-driven sales
CRM software
Lead generation
Verbal and written communication
Account management
Profit and revenue-generating strategies
Business planning
Sales and market development
Cold calling
Product knowledge
Sales presentations
New business development
Sales forecasting
Positive and upbeat
Sales strategy development
Salesforce
Extensive personal network
Decisive
Sales reporting
Goal setting
Key account management
Cross-functional collaboration
Staff management
Consultative and relationship selling
National account management
Client relationship management
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 02/15/69
- Nationality: Kenyan
References
- Mr. Benedict Mureithi, Director, Beulatec Engineering Ltd, Nairobi, +254 731 408264
- Mr. Samuel Chiira, Ex-Managing Director, ABB Kenya Ltd, +254-712 863213
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading Widely and keeping up to date with Technological advancement in Electrical engineering.
- Networking-making friends, travelling and music.
- Participating in Community service, Giving back to the community.
- Attending seminars/trade exhibitions to keep up to date with emerging technology in Electrical power generation.
- Keeping up to date with contemporary world news, economics, entrepreneurship and evolving smart Business automation technology.
Languages
- Kiswahili
- English
Games Sports
- Occasionally working out in the Gym.
- Watching football.
Timeline
POWER & UPS PROJECT SALES MANAGER
LEGRAND E.A.LTD.
01.2017 - 11.2025
FREELANCE ASSIGNMENTS IN SALES, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & POWER GENERATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
09.2013 - 12.2016
SALES MANAGER
ABB KENYA LTD.
06.2012 - 09.2013
INDEPENDENT SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUB SAHARA AFRICA
04.2010 - 05.2012
BUSINESS MANAGER SUB-SAHARA AFRICA
MIDAL CABLES LTD, BAHRAIN
09.2007 - 04.2010
SERVICE & PRODUCT SALES ENGINEER
ATLAS COPCO E.A. LTD
08.2002 - 09.2007
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
ASEA BROWN BOVERI TANELEC LTD, TANZANIA
05.1999 - 01.2002
SALES ENGINEER: SWITCHGEAR, LIGHTING, FLAMEPROOF EQUIPMENT
POWER TECHNICS LIMITED
05.1996 - 04.1999
SERVICE TECHNICIAN – MEDIUM VOLTAGE SWITCHGAR INSTALLATION
REYROLLE SWITCHGEAR PTY LTD
06.1995 - 12.1995
TRAINEE SALES & MARKETING HOTEL SERVICES
HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL NAIROBI
03.1995 - 04.1995
ELECTRICAL SERVICES TECHNICIAN
HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL NAIROBI
05.1993 - 06.1995
TRAINEE ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN- INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT
CARNUAD METAL BOX, NAIROBI
10.1991 - 03.1992
Management University of Africa - Business Management and leadership
Management University of Africa
Diploma - Business Management
Kenya Institute of Management
Diploma - Electrical Engineering
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
K. A. C. E. -
Khamis High School
K. C. E. -
Garba Tula High School