Key Account Team Leader - Data Center & Mission Critical

Daikin Middle East & Africa FZE is a subsidiary of Daikin Industries Ltd. and the leading provider of heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification, and refrigeration technology. The company designs, manufactures and brings to market a broad portfolio of equipment, as well as tailor-made solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). To date, Daikin EMEA has over 12 000 employees across more than 59 consolidated subsidiaries. It has 12 major manufacturing facilities based in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Austria, and the UK. Our aim is to drive sustainable and effective solutions, sparking a good climate for the generations to come. And all this can only be achieved because of our People. 

About the Role

The Key Account Team Leader – Data Center & Mission Critical will be based in Riyadh and lead the growth of our strategic business across the Data Center, Healthcare, and Mission Critical sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This role is responsible for developing and managing long-term relationships with hyperscale and colocation operators, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, EPC contractors, MEP contractors, consultants, developers, and government organizations.

You will drive business development, project acquisition, and specification activities for Daikin's high-efficiency HVAC solutions designed for mission-critical environments, where reliability, energy efficiency, and operational continuity are essential. Working closely with the Data Center Business Unit, Application Engineering, Product Management, Service, and Sales teams, you will lead strategic account planning, identify new business opportunities, and deliver sustainable growth while positioning Daikin as the preferred HVAC partner for mission-critical applications.

How You Will Make an Impact

You will lead the growth of Daikin's Data Center & Mission Critical business by developing strategic customer relationships, driving project acquisition, influencing project specifications, and delivering sustainable revenue growth, including the following key responsibilities:

Business Development

• Develop and execute the business strategy for the Data Center & Mission Critical segment in alignment with Daikin Saudi Arabia's growth objectives.
• Drive sales growth by identifying and developing opportunities across Data Centers, Healthcare Facilities, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Laboratories, Government Critical Facilities, and other mission-critical applications.
• Build and maintain a robust project pipeline from early specification through project award and execution.
• Achieve annual sales, revenue, order intake, and profitability targets.

Strategic Key Account Management

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with key decision-makers across hyperscale operators, colocation providers, hospital groups, healthcare authorities, pharmaceutical companies, consultants, developers, EPC contractors, and MEP contractors.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans to drive long-term customer growth and maximize business opportunities.
• Position Daikin solutions during the early design and specification stages of major projects to secure preferred vendor status.
• Strengthen customer satisfaction through proactive engagement, effective issue resolution, and long-term partnership development.

Market Development

• Identify emerging market opportunities and monitor investment trends within Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing Data Center and Healthcare sectors.
• Conduct regular customer meetings, project site visits, and Gemba activities to understand customer needs, project challenges, and competitive dynamics.
• Analyze market trends, customer insights, and competitor activities to support strategic planning and business growth.

Technical & Commercial Leadership

• Promote Daikin's portfolio of mission-critical HVAC solutions, including precision cooling, chilled water systems, applied products, controls, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable cooling solutions.
• Collaborate with Application Engineering to develop optimized technical solutions that meet customer and project requirements.
• Lead technical presentations, solution workshops, and customer demonstrations to strengthen project specifications and customer confidence.
• Support commercial negotiations, pricing strategies, and contract discussions while protecting business profitability.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering, Product Management, Factory, Service, Marketing, and Operations teams to deliver integrated customer solutions.
• Ensure effective coordination and communication throughout the project lifecycle, from specification and design through commissioning and after-sales support.

What You Need to Succeed

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• MBA or a qualification in Business or Commercial Management is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in HVAC sales, business development, or key account management, including at least 3 years managing strategic accounts or major projects within the HVAC industry.
• Demonstrated experience in Data Centers, Healthcare Facilities, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Clean Rooms, or other mission-critical environments.
• Strong knowledge of the Saudi Arabian construction market and its key stakeholders.
• Experience working with international consultants, EPC contractors, MEP contractors, developers, and government entities is highly preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC systems, including chilled water systems, DX systems, applied products, controls, and energy-efficient solutions.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in strategic account management, contract negotiation, pricing strategies, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, sales forecasting, pipeline management, and business planning.
• Proven ability to build executive-level customer relationships and influence key decision-makers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional and multicultural teams.
• Willingness to travel within Saudi Arabia as required.

Good climate starts with people 
Our employees are the beating heart of our company. At Daikin, you get to work in a positive environment backed by trust, creativity and continuous improvement. Together, we create our top-quality solutions by empowering talented teams. You will get plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. We are deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. Good climate starts with people.