Business Development Manager

About the role

Octagon Africa is looking for a Business Development Manager to drive the growth and profitability of the organization at branch level. The role develops and executes business strategies aligned with company goals, including expanding market share, increasing revenue and acquiring new clients, while overseeing sales and marketing efforts, fostering client relationships and supporting staff development.

Key responsibilities

• Formulate and execute growth strategies, diversify the product portfolio and increase market share through targeted selling and segmentation.
• Implement agreed budgets, sales volumes, product mixes and timelines; develop offers for direct mail and marketing to SMEs and large corporations.
• Identify new markets through direct marketing (visits, emails, telemarketing), follow up sales inquiries and conduct market research and competitor analysis.
• Strengthen ties with existing clients, coordinate client engagement activities such as pension and insurance clinics, and keep a computerized customer and prospect database updated weekly.
• Monitor and report on business activity, compile bi-weekly and monthly production reports, and advise the team and escalate issues to management.
• Train and develop staff: identify training needs, run training plans, organize workshops and seminars, mentor and coach, and appraise performance.
• Develop and review departmental strategies, including SWOT analysis, support the annual budget review, and manage risks and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Resolve customer issues, inform clients about regulatory changes, and manage leave and recruitment as needed.

Required profile

• Degree in a business-related field or professional qualification in Marketing, Sales, Public Relations or related areas.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in business development, marketing or sales, with proven success in strategic business development and profitability.
• Diploma in Insurance or Pensions is an added advantage.
• Good knowledge of retirement benefits schemes or general investment accounting, and familiarity with retirement benefits solutions.
• Experience in risk management and compliance, and leadership in staff appraisal, training and development.

Required skills

• Proficiency in MS Excel and MS Word.
• Market research, customer relationship management and product development.
• Strategic planning and SWOT analysis.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.