Strategic Business Development Manager

PURPOSE OF ROLE

The Strategic Business Development Manager plays a pivotal role in driving the expansion of Lesedi's Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) business throughout the African market. This individual will be responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new strategic customers and opportunities, ensuring sustainable growth and positioning the company as a leading partner in complex energy projects across the continent.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Strategic Market Development

• Proactively research and analyse the African energy market to identify trends, emerging opportunities, and potential threats.
• Formulate and execute innovative strategies to capitalise on market gaps.

Customer Acquisition and Relationship Management

• Identify and target strategic customers, including utilities, developers, mining, and large industrial clients.
• Build long-term relationships based on trust, value, and partnership.

Opportunity Development and Pipeline Management

• Scout new opportunities and project leads in the EPC domain, focusing on power generation, grid infrastructure, oil and gas, operations and maintenance, as well as bespoke engineering solutions.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective projects and clients.
• Manage the end-to-end sales cycle, from lead qualification through contract negotiation and closure.

Project Development Management

• Manage projects under development up to financial close.
• Act as the lead and interface with external development partners.
• Liaise and manage the interface with internal Lesedi divisions responsible for the EPC element of the project.
• Manage and oversee all commercial, legal, and financial aspects of the development process.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams internally (engineering, finance, legal, and operations) to develop compelling technical and commercial proposals that address client needs and differentiate the company in a competitive landscape.

Stakeholder Engagement and Networking

• Establish and nurture strong networks with key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, financiers, and strategic partners.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and forums across Africa, acting as a thought leader and ambassador for the brand.

Market Intelligence and Reporting

• Monitor regulatory changes, policy developments, and competitor activities to anticipate market shifts.
• Prepare regular reports and forecasts for senior management, providing clear insights into market dynamics, pipeline status, and sales performance.

QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Engineering, or a related field.
• Certified training in business development, project management, or commercial management will be advantageous.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10 years' progressive experience in business development within the energy industry.
• Proven track record in the energy sector across Africa (power generation, grid infrastructure, oil and gas, mining).
• Demonstrated success in identifying and securing large-scale projects and strategic accounts.
• Experience leading multimillion-dollar deals and navigating complex, multicultural environments.
• Practical experience in managing projects through development phases to financial close will be advantageous.
• Experience working with utilities, developers, mining companies, and industrial clients across Africa.

COMPETENCIES

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of the African energy landscape, including power generation, grid infrastructure, oil and gas, and sector-specific challenges.
• Thorough knowledge of EPC project structures and delivery models.
• Strong commercial acumen with understanding of contract negotiations, legal frameworks, and financial structuring.
• Knowledge of regulatory environments, policy frameworks, and market dynamics across African markets.
• Understanding of project financing mechanisms and investment models in the energy sector.

Skills

• Exceptional networking capabilities with an established network across the African energy ecosystem (utilities, developers, mining, industry, financiers).
• Strong negotiation and deal-closing skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across organisational levels.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in CRM systems and business intelligence tools.
• Ability to prepare compelling proposals and business cases.
• Computer literate (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project Management tools).

Behaviours/Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinking and vision: Ability to see the big picture and formulate long-term growth strategies.
• Entrepreneurial drive and self-motivation: Proactive, results-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Relationship building: Natural connector who establishes trust and maintains strong stakeholder relationships.
• Resilience and adaptability: Thrives in dynamic, fast-changing markets with the ability to navigate ambiguity.
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity: Comfortable working across diverse African markets and cultures.
• High degree of integrity and professionalism: Represents the company's values authentically.
• Collaboration and team orientation: Works effectively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve shared goals.
• Results-oriented with accountability: Takes ownership of outcomes and drives performance.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Africa as required by business needs.

Should you not hear from us within 21 days of the closing of the advert, kindly regard your application to have been unsuccessful.