Business Development Manager - Eastern & Southern Africa
The Business Development Manager ESA will be responsible for expanding and growing new business, identifying new clients in the Geochemistry Eastern & Southern Africa region, building long-term client relationships, and maintaining existing clients.
As an ambassador for the business in global markets, the BD Manager ESA will undertake both local and international travel focusing on meaningful interactions through client visits, potential conferences, and trade shows. The BD Manager ESA will be based in ALS Chemex SA Head Office in Johannesburg and will report to the Regional Business Development Manager, Sub Saharan Africa.
Specific Responsibilities: New Business Development - Research and build relationships with new clients
- Keep abreast of new technology and changes within the industry
- Identify business growth opportunities based on current trends
- Present to and consult with management on market trends and feedback
- Prospect for potential clients and convert this into increased business
- Meet with current and potential clients by leveraging and maintaining networks
- Participate in sample volume forecasting and budget planning
- Build sustainable long-term client relationships on multiple levels (field, regional, and head office)
- Develop a structured and effective marketing and client support strategy
- Close new business deals by coordinating requirements, developing, and negotiating contracts
- Support the tendering process
- Liaise with the ALS global team to support commercial and operational activities
- Attend industry functions, such as association events and conferences, and provide feedback on market and creative trends
- Identify opportunities for campaigns that will lead to an increase in sales
- Using market knowledge, develop the company’s unique selling propositions and differentiators
Client Retention - Meet existing clients to identify challenges and additional requirements
- Work closely with internal colleagues to understand and meet client needs
- Arrange and participate in client debriefs
Reports - Participate in management meetings and submit weekly and monthly data to ensure accuracy
- Forecast sales targets for the year and ensure they are met
- Compile key business metrics and report them to management
Risk Mitigation - Alert management to key emerging risk areas
- Provide input to improve risk mitigation strategies
- Participate in crisis management activities as required
About You The ideal candidate would have the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Geology, and extensive business development experience in a related field
- Minimum 10 years of experience in laboratory processes, management, business development, or customer services
- Good commercial understanding of factors involved in delivering quality services profitably
- Excellent numerical and analytical skills
- Strategic planning and implementation abilities
- Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure
- Ability to multitask and meet challenging deadlines
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, at all levels of ALS and with clients
- Advanced networking and client relationship building skills
#J-18808-Ljbffr
