Potchefstroom, South Africa | Posted on 12/29/2024

This role requires a balance of technical expertise, business development skills, client relationship management, and the ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced environment. The BDM will not only foster new business but also manage key aspects of the project lifecycle, ensuring a successful and smooth transition from proposal to project initiation.

BDM Key Responsibilities and Expectations:

Client Relationship Management and Field Engagement

Client Meetings : Act as the primary point of contact for clients, meeting with them directly in the field to gain a deep understanding of their needs and challenges.
Tailored Solutions : Develop and deliver customized solutions based on the client's requirements, ensuring that the company's and NWU’s services are aligned with their business objectives.
Client-Centric Approach : Build strong, lasting relationships with both existing and potential clients, fostering trust and ensuring satisfaction.

Dynamic Work Environment Adaptability

Flexibility : Adapt to changing schedules and work in a variety of environments, from irregular hours to varying client needs.
Travel : Willingness to travel extensively to client locations, sometimes at short notice, to provide on-site support and strengthen business ties.
Commitment : Show reliability in meeting client needs regardless of time and location, reinforcing a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Business Development and Proposal Management

Networking : Build and maintain a network of potential, current, and past customers, identifying new opportunities for research and consulting services.
Proposal and Tender Preparation : Lead the preparation of proposals and tenders, collaborating with researchers and experts for technical input, and ensuring comprehensive budgeting and due diligence.
Pricing and Negotiation : Propose and negotiate project pricing, ensuring alignment with client expectations and the company’s financial objectives.
Project Team Formation : Collaborate with the Platform Manager and Project Manager to assemble the appropriate project team, ensuring the right mix of skills for each client’s needs.
Deal Closure : Drive the project from initiation to successful handover, ensuring the signed contract, approved proposal, budget, and project team are all aligned before the project moves forward.

Technical and Business Acumen

Expertise : Leverage your technical background to provide innovative solutions that meet client needs while aligning with broader business goals.
Strategic Alignment : Ensure that all technical decisions are commercially viable and contribute to the company’s strategic objectives.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Interpersonal Skills : Demonstrate strong communication skills to interact effectively with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams, ensuring clear understanding of both technical and business aspects of the projects.
Translation of Technical Concepts : Translate complex technical concepts into actionable business strategies that resonate with clients.

Requirements

More than 5 years experience in finding customers and developing proposals
Drivers license
Passport
Own vehicle

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

NQF 7-10 university qualification
Experience in university directed research projects
Experience in proposal development in commercial, government and industry contexts
Experience in building networks among decision makers in government, commerce and industry
Experience with funding sources such as government agencies, local and international, NGOs etc.
Self-motivated, team player, customer focus

Skills

Networking
Communication skills - customers, management and stakeholders
Computer literacy - MS Office and ZOHO

Market related, total cost to company package based on experience and grade.

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