Country Manager – Business Development (Kenya)

About the role

The successful candidate will act as the senior business development representative for a leading diversified industrial group in Kenya. Reporting to the Group’s headquarters, the role focuses on building market intelligence, relationships and a qualified pipeline across industrial, energy, infrastructure and related sectors.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute an annual business development strategy for Kenya aligned with Group priorities.
• Identify, assess and shape new business opportunities, maintaining a quantified pipeline and preparing opportunity briefs.
• Coordinate market, commercial, technical, financial, legal and risk assessments and recommend progression decisions.
• Monitor political, economic, competitive and regulatory developments and provide timely intelligence.
• Build senior‑level relationships with government bodies, regulators, national companies, investors and strategic partners.
• Lead early‑stage commercial discussions, support negotiations and hand over approved opportunities to business units.
• Coordinate executive visits, presentations and follow‑up actions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and develop the local business development team, manage the approved budget and ensure high‑quality reporting.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, engineering, finance, international relations or related field; postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• 12‑15 years of relevant experience, including senior responsibility in business development, investment, commercial management or government‑facing projects.
• Strong knowledge of Kenya’s political economy, institutions and decision‑making networks.
• Proven record of originating and advancing material business opportunities in industrial, energy, infrastructure or related capital‑intensive sectors.
• Kenyan national or candidate with substantial recent experience in the Kenyan market.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French is a distinct advantage.
• High personal integrity, sound judgement and strict respect for governance and compliance requirements.