Ferndale: Business Development Manager

Key Responsibilities Regional Growth & Revenue Ownership Own and deliver regional revenue, margin, and growth targets. Develop and execute a regional business development and market penetration strategy. Identify priority sectors, strategic accounts, and growth opportunities. Build a high-value, sustainable sales pipeline through direct engagement, partnerships, and targeted campaigns. New Business Development & Strategic Account Acquisition Lead complex, high-value sales opportunities from discovery through to contract close. Engage senior client stakeholders at operational and executive level. Conduct site-based discovery to assess compliance risks, audit readiness, and operational challenges. Position integrated, value-led solutions that reduce risk and support regulatory compliance. Commercial Leadership Integrated Pest Management & Consulting Drive commercial growth of food-industry compliant pest management and consulting solutions. Ensure solutions are risk-based, audit-ready, and aligned with food safety and quality standards. Oversee definition of service scope, KPIs, reporting requirements, and escalation protocols. Proposal, Pricing & Contract Oversight Lead proposal development and ensure commercial and technical alignment. Translate food safety standards and audit requirements into deliverable commercial solutions. Maintain pricing discipline, margin protection, and commercially sound contract terms. Leadership & Performance Management Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to sales and business development resources where applicable. Build consultative selling capability and strengthen solution-based sales approaches. Pipeline, Forecasting & Governance Own CRM governance, pipeline accuracy, and forecasting for the region. Track performance against targets and proactively manage risks and conversion gaps. Deliver regular management reporting with insights and corrective actions. Client Retention & Account Expansion Protect and grow revenue through renewals, retainers, and cross-selling. Strengthen long-term strategic relationships with key clients. Ensure effective handover to operations and monitor service outcomes to maintain client satisfaction. Market Intelligence & External Representation Monitor competitor activity, pricing trends, regulatory changes, and market dynamics. Represent the business at relevant industry events and regional forums. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Regional revenue growth and gross margin New business value and pipeline coverage Conversion rates and deal size Client retention, renewals, and account expansion Forecast accuracy and CRM data integrity Required Experience (Non-Negotiable) Senior experience within the food or beverage industry in a quality or technical leadership role (e.g. Quality Manager, Food Technologist, Food Safety Officer). Proven success in senior B2B business development or consultative sales roles. Strong understanding of food safety systems, audit frameworks, and regulatory compliance. Demonstrated ability to engage credibly at senior management and executive level. Qualifications & Professional Training Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Environmental Health, or related field. Advantageous certifications: HACCP (intermediate/advanced) Internal Auditing ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 GMP / PRPs Pest control or IPM experience within food environments advantageous, or willingness to obtain required certification. Core Competencies Strategic and consultative selling capability. Strong commercial and financial acumen. Executive-level stakeholder engagement. High-quality proposal development and negotiation skills. CRM proficiency and data-driven decision making. Excellent planning and territory management skills. Practical Requirements Based in Ferndale, Gauteng. Willingness to travel extensively across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West. Valid drivers licence. Personal Attributes Strategic, analytical, and results-driven. Highly professional with strong attention to detail. Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable operating in complex environments. Confident communicator and collaborative leader.