Business Development Manager Africa electrical distribution

Business Development Manager Africa Trade Specialist

Location: Johannesburg
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: Competitive + Commission
Reports to: Managing Director

About the Role:

We are looking for a high-performing Business Development Manager to drive business growth and expand our presence across African markets. This role requires a proactive sales leader with strong B2B sales experience, key account management skills, and international trade expertise. The successful candidate will be responsible for lead generation, developing new markets, and building long-term customer relationships while achieving sales and revenue targets.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sales & Business Development
   • Develop and execute a strategic business plan to drive export sales across Africa.
   • Proactively generate leads, identify new business opportunities, and expand the company's customer base.
   • Build and manage relationships with distributors, wholesalers, and key accounts in target countries.
   • Achieve and exceed sales targets, ensuring continuous business growth.
   • Conduct market research to understand industry trends, competitor activities, and customer needs.
2. Key Account & Customer Relationship Management
   • Establish and maintain long-term relationships with key clients, ensuring trust and loyalty.
   • Understand and address customer requirements, offering tailored solutions to meet their needs.
   • Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities to maximize revenue potential.
   • Act as the main point of contact between clients and internal teams.
3. Export Operations & Compliance
   • Oversee export logistics, shipping, and documentation to ensure smooth order fulfillment.
   • Ensure compliance with African trade regulations, customs procedures, and international export laws.
   • Manage pricing strategies, payment terms, and trade agreements to maximize profitability.
   • Resolve customer complaints and export-related challenges to maintain a high level of client satisfaction.
4. Leadership & Reporting
   • Provide regular sales reports, forecasts, and market insights to senior management.
   • Work closely with internal teams, including marketing, supply chain, and finance, to drive operational excellence.
   • Represent the company at trade shows, exhibitions, and business networking events.

Requirements:

• Degree is optional; relevant experience in Sales, Business Development, or International Trade is highly valued.
• 5+ years of sales experience in export sales, B2B sales, or international trade, with a strong focus on African markets.
• Proven track record of lead generation and closing deals.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience in key account management and business expansion.
• Knowledge of export documentation, logistics, and customs regulations.
• Ability to work independently, travel to African markets, and drive business growth.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of French or Portuguese is a plus.

Compensation & Commission Structure:

• Competitive base salary.
• Commission structure based on sales performance and revenue generation.

What We Offer:

• Exciting career growth opportunities in international sales.
• Attractive commission and bonus structure based on performance.
• Opportunities for international travel and networking.
• A dynamic and supportive team in a fast-growing company.