Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager – Global Markets (SaaS Focus) Reports To: Group Director, Sales and Business Development Location: Cape Town, South Africa Direct Reports: N/A About azakaw azakaw is a purpose‑built RegTech platform designed to simplify and automate compliance for financial institutions, fintechs, and professional services firms. Developed by compliance professionals, azakaw empowers teams to manage Digital KYC & KYB, Transaction Monitoring, and Corporate Compliance all in one place. From no‑code onboarding flows to real‑time risk monitoring and audit‑ready reports, azakaw turns compliance into a competitive advantage. azakaw is designed for compliance teams who need control, speed, and clarity and is backed by the regulatory expertise of Awan & Partners. Mission / Purpose of the Role We are seeking a proactive and results‑driven Business Developer to identify, nurture, and secure new business opportunities, engage with prospects, and deliver impactful product demonstrations. The role is responsible for owning the full sales lifecycle from cold outreach to closing, targeting small, mid‑market, and enterprise clients. This role is ideal for a high‑energy, self‑starting Business Development Manager with extensive SaaS sales experience and a hunter mentality. Key Accountabilities Market Research & Opportunity Identification – Conduct deep market analysis to uncover and qualify new business opportunities aligned with azakaw’s growth strategy. Identify and prioritize prospects through competitive intelligence and trend monitoring. Qualify potential leads and prioritize outreach based on business potential and strategic fit. Understand buyer personas (compliance, operations, finance, legal) and their pain points across segments. Prospect / Client Engagement – Build and nurture relationships with potential and existing clients to align SaaS solutions with business needs. Serve as a trusted advisor, communicating value propositions clearly and persuasively. Represent azakaw at key industry events and conferences. Sales & Product Demonstrations – Lead product demonstrations and presentations tailored to specific prospect / client needs. Deliver engaging, consultative demos that address each client's unique challenges. Develop compelling proposals and presentations with internal marketing and compliance support. Drive full‑cycle SaaS sales processes from cold outreach to contract closure. Deal Closing & Account Management – Manage the full sales cycle: prospecting, qualification, demo, proposal, negotiation, and close. Negotiate effectively to achieve win‑win outcomes. Maintain clean and organized records in HubSpot; report performance weekly to leadership. Close deals independently in mid‑market and enterprise segments. Manage ongoing client relationships post‑sale, identifying new business opportunities within existing accounts. Monthly Mission Outcomes (Success Indicators) Number of high‑value prospects identified and qualified Market intelligence reports delivered on schedule Prioritized leads aligned with business potential and strategic fit Improved lead‑to‑conversion ratio through better segmentation Increased engagement with C‑level and key decision‑makers Positive client feedback on value delivered and trust established Reduced sales cycle time Quotifiable achievement of quarterly and annual sales targets Win rates for mid‑market and enterprise deals Identification of upsell / cross‑sell opportunities and revenue growth within existing accounts Core Competencies B2B Consultative Selling Expertise – Proven ability to sell consultatively within the GCC region. GRC & Compliance Knowledge – Deep understanding of Governance, Risk & Compliance, licensing, and the regional FS regulatory landscape (DFSA, FSRA, VARA, CBUAE, SCA, SAMA, CMA). Stakeholder Management – Builds trust and maintains strong relationships with senior stakeholders and clients. Hunter Mentality & Ownership – Proactive, persistent, and accountable in managing the full sales cycle. Communication & Problem‑Solving – Clear, persuasive verbal and written communication; anticipates and resolves challenges effectively. Strong command of CRM systems (HubSpot preferred) to manage pipeline and client data efficiently. High proficiency in proposal development, scoping, objection handling, and deal negotiation. Ability to analyze market trends and competitive intelligence to inform sales and GTM strategy. Operational discipline to manage multiple deals and deadlines effectively. Analytical & Research Skills – Ability to synthesize complex information and provide actionable insights. Leadership & Initiative – Self‑starter, able to work independently and drive results. Time & Priority Management – Effectively manages multiple priorities under pressure. Adaptability & Resilience – Thrives in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments while delivering quality outcomes. Professional Communication – Interacts effectively at all organizational levels, ensuring clarity and professionalism. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. Minimum of 5+ years of proven experience in business development or sales roles, specifically within the SaaS industry. Additional Requirements Proven track record in business development, sales, or account management within GRC / compliance or financial services. Strong knowledge of the UAE & GCC financial regulatory framework. Demonstrated success in outbound prospecting and building a healthy pipeline. High CRM discipline; HubSpot experience strongly preferred. Experience working in high‑growth, entrepreneurial environments. Prior experience selling GRC / compliance / RegTech consulting solutions preferred. Arabic language proficiency is a strong advantage. Culture & Values Alignment Embody a growth mindset and proactive learning approach. Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a fast‑paced, evolving environment. Exhibit professional maturity and integrity in handling sensitive issues. Build trust and credibility with both leadership and team members. Align with Awan & Partners' core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation. Rewards & Growth Competitive salary and benefits package. Opportunities for career growth in a global, fast‑scaling organization. Continuous learning and development opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr