South Africa: Business Development Manager

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth by maintaining and expanding relationships with existing clients while aggressively pursuing new business opportunities. This role functions similarly to a Sales Account Manager, with a strong emphasis on prospecting, negotiation, and closing deals. The ideal candidate is confident, persuasive, and highly motivated by sales incentives, with the ability to influence decision-makers and consistently convert opportunities into signed agreements. Client Relationship Management Manage and grow relationships with existing clients and customers to ensure long-term retention and revenue expansion. Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned accounts, understanding client needs and aligning solutions accordingly. Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities within current accounts. New Business Development Proactively identify, pursue, and secure new clients through outbound sales efforts, networking, referrals, and lead generation activities. Develop and execute strategies to penetrate new markets and expand the customer base. Maintain a strong sales pipeline and consistently meet or exceed new business targets. Sales, Negotiation & Closing Lead all aspects of the sales cycle, including presentations, proposals, pricing discussions, and contract negotiations. Confidently negotiate terms with clients and customers to achieve mutually beneficial agreements. Demonstrate strong closing skills with the ability to gain client commitment and secure “yes” decisions. Communication & Representation Clearly and persuasively communicate the companys value proposition to prospects and clients. Build credibility and trust through professional presence, charisma, and relationship-building skills. Represent the company at client meetings, industry events, and networking functions as needed. Reporting & Collaboration Track sales activities, pipeline progress, and performance metrics using CRM tools. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure smooth onboarding and ongoing client satisfaction. Provide market feedback and insights to support pricing, service offerings, and sales strategy. Minimum Requirements: Qualifications: Bachelors degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field (preferred). Job-specific experience: 3 years of experience in sales, account management, or business development. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets in a performance-driven environment.