Our client is seeking a Business Development Manager to join their team. The successful incumbent will be responsible to drive sustainable financial growth through boosting sales and forging strong relationships with clients in the Sub-Sahara Africa Region. The position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The candidate can be based remotely, however travel will be required to Pietermaritzburg and into Sub Saharan Africa
Main job function
Builds market position by locating, developing, defining, and closing business relationships with both potential customers and in-country sales agents
Develops negotiating strategies and positions by studying and implementing the integration of new markets and company agents with company strategies and operations
Examines risks and potentials for the business opportunities and potential in-country agents
Develop a growth strategy focused both on financial gain and customer satisfaction
Conduct research to identify new markets, customer needs and potential in-country agents to support the sales growth
Develop the identified new markets including concluding in-country agency agreements, customer relationships and driving new sales
Arrange and conduct business meetings with prospective clients and in-country agents
Promote the company’s products/services addressing or predicting clients’ objectives
Developing quotes and proposals for clients
Prepare sales contracts ensuring adherence to law-established rules, regulations guidelines and in line with company policies
Closes new business deals by coordinating requirements; developing and negotiating contracts; and integrating contract requirements with business operations
Keep records of sales, revenue, invoices etc. and submits detailed monthly reports of business development activities
Provide trustworthy feedback and after-sales support
Maintaining current client relationships and identifying and securing potential new clients for the company
Contacting potential customers to develop relationships and sales
Developing new sales areas and improving sales through various methods including relationships with Development Finance Institutions to unlock potential RSA funded infrastructure projects in Africa that would include company products
Researching trends and creating new opportunities to increase sales through the development of new products with the technology team of the company
Leading the company’s sales team based on a high-performance culture
Collaborating with the technology, production and account teams to ensure requirements are met, such as customer technical requirements, sales numbers and profit goals
Maintaining a strong understanding of products and services, and innovating new ways to serve businessesBSc Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and a Business-Related Qualification in Sales or relevant field
Minimum of five (5) years of Sub-Saharan Africa experience in relevant business development
Proven experience as a Business Development Manager, Sales Executive or relevant role into Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably to electrical utility companies
Experience in Customer and In-Country Agent Support with preference for existing relationships with Sub-Saharan African electrical utility companies
Proficiency in English is a requisite and French proficiency is a plus
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Negotiation and persuasion skills
Time Management skills
Customer-focused
Planning and organizing
Analytical and strategic thinking
Results-oriented
Leading a high-performance culture-based sales team
Professional Ethic
Strong moral and ethical compass
Ability to build rapport
Networking skills
Energetic and ambitious
A Consultant will be in touch if you are shortlisted for the position. Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not have been contacted within 2 weeks. We will keep your CV on our database and contact you should you match the criteria of any other vacancies.