Job Description

The Exports Business Development Manager is responsible for driving sustainable and profitable growth across selected export markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. The role focuses on acquiring new customers, developing and enabling channel partners, creating regional demand, and growing selected strategic accounts where appropriate.
This position plays a key role in front-end market development by translating market potential into qualified demand and long-term customer and distributor relationships. Through strong customer insight, partner collaboration, and demand generation initiatives, the role supports increased market share across priority export regions.
Key Competencies
Understand complex B2B environments, customers and market dynamics
Make sound commercial and strategic decisions
Develop and execute growth plans in evolving and ambiguous markets
Build strong market, customer and partner insight
Influence internal and external stakeholders
Build long-term customer and distributor relationships
Work independently with high levels of accountability
Adapt quickly and remain resilient in cross-border environments
Travel extensively across Sub-Saharan Africa
Education and Qualifications
Grade 12 * Tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing or Engineering
Skills and Experience
Essential:
Minimum 3 years successful B2B sales or business development experience, ideally within export markets
Proven ability to open new markets and acquire new customers
Strong commercial and financial acumen, including forecasting and ROI analysis
Data-driven approach with disciplined CRM usage
Experience working across countries and cultures
Understanding of distributor and reseller models, including partner enablement and training
Experience planning and executing demand generation initiatives such as trade shows, customer events, roadshows, workshops or webinars
Consultative, value-led selling approach
Strong written and verbal communication skills
High levels of self-motivation and autonomy
Technical aptitude or affinity for technology
Collaborative team player
Valid South African drivers licence
Desirable:
Experience in MRO, industrial distribution or technical solutions environments
Fluency in English, with French and/or Portuguese advantageous
Experience in cross-border trade, including:
Export legislation and regulatory requirements
Export processes and documentation
Exposure to industrial product categories such as automation, electrical, electronics, tools or consumables
Experience with MRO procurement, eProcurement or inventory solutions
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute initiatives to drive sales growth across Sub-Saharan Africa
Build and manage a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities aligned to growth objectives
Conduct ongoing market research to identify high-potential regions, segments and customer needs
Identify, onboard and enable strategic resellers and distributors
Design and deliver structured reseller training on value proposition, products, solutions and processes
Develop and execute joint business plans with key partners
Plan and execute regional demand generation activities, including supplier campaigns, exhibitions, customer events and roadshows
Collaborate closely with marketing and suppliers to ensure effective campaign execution
Convert demand into qualified leads, opportunities and revenue
Act as a liaison between sales, marketing, suppliers and operations
Develop and implement quarterly account and territory plans
Support internal sales teams to deliver a consistent and high-quality customer experience
Deliver sales and gross margin targets
Maintain accurate forecasting, opportunity management and CRM data
Ensure compliance with export governance, documentation and operational requirements

Skills Required