Export Business Development Manager SSA (Midrand) Permanent …, Sandton

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

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