Business Development Manager, Isando, South Africa

Description / Synopsis

A leading organisation in the manufacturing and agriculture sector is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive commercial growth across domestic, regional and export markets. The role focuses on identifying, qualifying and converting new business opportunities, with a strong emphasis on the timber and pole product sector.

The successful candidate will combine technical product understanding with strong commercial acumen, enabling them to map the market, identify profitable segments, position products effectively, and open new businee channels. This role partners closely with Sales, Export, Supply Chain, Processing and Marketing to deliver solutions aligned to customer and market needs.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree or diploma in Business, Sales, Marketing or related field
• 5–7 years' experience in new business development, sales or key account management within manufacturing, production, agriculture, processing, timber, construction or related industrial sectors
• Direct experience in the pole sector (treated or untreated poles) strongly preferred; broader timber product exposure will be considered
• Strong understanding of B2B client acquisition, industrial buying behaviour and competitor dynamics
• Knowledge of pricing fundamentals, cost-to-serve, margin logic and product positioning
• Proven track record of meeting revenue and growth targets and successfully closing deals
• Ability to balance technical product knowledge with commercial strategy
• Strong negotiation, presentation and proposal writing skills
• Advanced experience with CRM systems, sales pipeline management and reporting

Responsibilities

• Research, identify and acquire new business opportunities across targeted sectors
• Identify profitable segments and position products effectively, through market mapping
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, partners and industry stakeholders
• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve or exceed revenue targets
• Open new commercial channels for across local, regional and export markets
• Collaborate with internal teams to align product offerings with customer requirements
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and demand patterns within the timber, pole, construction and industrial sectors
• Manage the sales pipeline and report regularly on sales activity, performance metrics and pipeline development
• Maintain accurate CRM records and documentation for all business development activities
• Represent the company at industry events, networking engagements and presentations

Soft Skills / Additional Info

• Strong commercial and technical balance
• High level of market intelligence and customer insight
• Ability to operate at a senior commercial or Regional Manager level
• Strategic thinker with the ability to open profitable channels and drive market penetration