SSA Business Development Manager

Summary Description

• The Business Development Manager (SSA) is responsible for driving growth, identifying strategic opportunities, through market research and data analytics.  
• This role requires a deep understanding of regional business dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to convert market insights into actionable business strategies.
• Key mission is to achieve regional business objectives (Market share, Volumes, Profit) and corporate citizenship in Africa. 

Role & Responsibilities

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform strategy and identify emerging trends.
• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, partnerships, and channel for growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, government agencies, distributors, and industry stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams (sales, marketing, product planning, strategy and business planning) to ensure market needs are met.
• Monitor business performance (Africa region), prepare reports and present insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences and forums in Africa region.
• Ensure compliance, local regulations and trade laws and corporate policies across all markets in Africa. 
• Support the company’s industrialization plan, CKD and SKD programs as per corporate goals.

Authority

• Collaboration with all business departments to ensure strategic alignment and execution.
• Support regional teams to achieve key performance indicators. 

Job requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economic, Engineering or related field.
• MBA or relevant post graduate degree preferred.

Related Experience

• 10 years of professional experience at a manufacturer/distributor or sales of vehicles.
• Automotive industry experience.
• Cross-functional project management experience preferred.
• Extensive data analysis and market research experience.

Skill/Knowledge

• Strong understanding of African business environments, regulatory landscapes and cultural diversity.
• Excellent negotiation skills and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good organizational and teamwork skills.
• Outstanding written & verbal presentation skills for external and Senior Leadership interactions
• Ability to multi-task.
• Strong automotive industry knowledge.
• Ability to travel across the region as required.

Physical requirements

• Normal office duties in Region HQ
• 10% Travel requirements