Business Development Manager at Reeds Africa Consult

Job Summary

• The Manager Business Development at our clients company plays a crucial role in driving market penetration, retention and expanding into new markets. This position is responsible for managing and nurturing relationships with primary customers, who contribute significantly to the company's sales revenue. The Manager Business Development will focus on building strong partnerships, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing strategies to maximize customer satisfaction and business growth

Principal Accountabilities

Business Development Budget

• Assistant Manager – Business Development
• Senior Executive - Customer Service Supervisor
• Tools of trade

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Product Launch and Promotion:

• Oversee the successful launch of new product development, coordinating with the marketing and product development teams particularly in identifying market size, route-to-market strategies, launch plans, and ongoing review mechanisms.
• Develop and execute promotional campaigns to increase brand awareness and drive product sales.

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for the Business Development division, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to achieve financial targets.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance, providing regular reports to senior management.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks that may impact business continuity.

Customer Relationship Management 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with primary customers to understand their needs, preferences, and challenges.
• Act as the primary point of contact for key customers, addressing their inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring their overall satisfaction.
• Regularly engage with customers to build rapport, gather feedback, and identify opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth. 

Business Development 

• Develop and identify and evaluate potential market opportunities to expand the company's customer base and revenue streams.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify customer trends, competitors, and industry developments.
• Develop and implement strategies to penetrate new markets and increase market share, in alignment with the company's aggressive growth objectives.

Primary Account Management

• Manage and oversee the key accounts that contribute to 80% of the company's sales.
• Develop account plans, set performance targets, and implement strategies to achieve sales and revenue growth.
• Monitor account performance, track key metrics, and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Product Pricing
• Continuously monitor and assess the competitive landscape, providing insights and recommendations to ensure our products are priced competitively and meet market demand.

Relationship Building

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and influencers within customer organizations.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including sales, marketing, and product development, to align strategies and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
• Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities within existing customer accounts to maximize revenue potential.
• (Sounds like duplication from Business Development)

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing sales team, providing guidance, coaching, and support. 
• Set clear performance objectives, conduct regular performance evaluations, and identify training and development opportunities. 
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

Internal Interactions

• Marketing
• General Trade
• Production
• Logistics
• Supply Chain
• Finance
• Commercial Control
• Credit Control
• Human Resources

External Interactions

• Customers
• Regulatory authorities
• Suppliers
• Agencies

Key Skills
Behavior

• Proven track record in building and managing successful customer relationships, preferably within the FMCG industry.
• Strong analytical skills to understand customer pain points and identify market opportunities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and influence customers effectively.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to develop tailored solutions for customer needs.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and coordinate efforts with internal teams.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills to secure mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Customer-centric mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Proactive, results-oriented mindset with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues from various departments such as Supply Chain, Finance, and Logistics.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and proactively drive tasks and projects forward.
• Have a growth mindset and actively seek opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills.
• Proven success in managing key customer relationships and achieving sales targets.
• Highly motivated and customer-focused professional with a passion for business development, and thrive in a competitive industry
• Knowledge 

Core competencies

• Familiar with excel functionalities.
• Proficiency in using CRM software and other relevant sales tools.
• Strong understanding of market dynamics, customer needs analysis, and business development strategies.
• Familiarity with the edible oil, soap, or cosmetics industry is advantageous.
• Behaviors that are tied to the achievement of organizational strategy and values.
• Passionate in everything we do
• Willing to embrace change.
• Accountable for self and team
• Never give up.
• Initiative is recognised

Qualifications

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, or a related field. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, key account management, or sales roles, preferably within the FMCG industry at senior level