ROLE: Business Development Manager (French-speaking)
COMPANY: Indian Ocean Export Company (IOEC)
INDUSTRY: Export trade: FMCG food, beverages, fruit, veg, wine, alcohol &building supplies.
LOCATION: On site, Morningside, Durban.
REPORTS TO: Commercial Manager and Commercial Director.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
Indian Ocean Export Company is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager with a proven track record in export trading of foods to lead profitable sales growth for IOEC in the French-speaking territory of Central and West Africa and to expand our customer base. The ideal candidate will combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution, build strong client relationships, and broaden our footprint in French-speaking markets. Fluency in French (written and spoken) and proficiency in English are required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Successfully negotiate a trade (sale) using negotiation and salesman's skills. Close large, complex deals.

• Comply with the regulations of the various markets. Negotiate contracts, terms, and renewal opportunities.

• Align cross-functional teams to ensure delivery against commitments, ensure the sales go through and have the required follow up. Communication is timeously given to all stakeholders, internal and external.

• Maintain a high level of service to existing and potential clients through relationships and relationship building. Cultivate relationships with C-level stakeholders and decision-makers in target accounts.

• Seek and identify opportunities in the market. Expand customer base. Maintain existing business. Data-driven decision making: utilise data and performance metrics to guide decision-making and improve portfolio performance.

• Debtors - making sure debt is being collected in a timeous manner.
  Report on performance metrics, development plans and market insights to executive leadership
  o Meet or exceed performance against budget. Achieve profit budgets which the candidate would annually set with the approval of the MD.
  o Develop and execute a comprehensive business development plan to achieve revenue targets in French-speaking regions.
  o Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and proposals in both French and English.
  o Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and regulatory considerations affecting the target markets.
  o Trip & meeting preparation.

• Trade Shows: Project Manage international trade show, industry and other marketing events and be in physical attendance.

• Comfortably work within the company's logistical and financial controls.

MINIMUM ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

Experience:
• Proven hunter with a history of meeting/exceeding sales and achieving volume/unit or region targets in an export environment. Proven track record 5+ years in new business development, sales, trading or key account management.
• Travel experienced into West/Central Africa, strong network in Central and West Africa.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage a diverse pipeline of products, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Skills:
• Knowledge of multiple food categories, manufacturers, value chain, industry knowledge and market knowledge.
• Qlikview/Qliksense analytics or similar. Data analysis skills to identify potential areas for improvement. Mathematical understanding and ability to analyse and interpret figures and business information.
• Consistent and accurate report writing.
• Commercial awareness and business acumen, objection handling, presentation skills, negotiation skills.
• Project management and timely execution within budget.

Qualifications:
• Matric & Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Marketing or Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

Operational:
• Valid passport
• Clear criminal and credit
• Valid Drivers License
• The position would require the candidate to travel to the allocated Market / country at least once every 6 weeks and spend a period of approximately 10 days seeing customers and extending / developing our current business.

Traits:
• Business acumen, curiosity, and objective judgment.

Package & Remuneration:
• Salary will be competitive base salary + commission structure

Applications:

• If you believe you fulfil the above criteria required for the role, please submit your resume in English and French to hr@ioec.co.za
• Please note that if you do not fulfil all the above requirements for the position your CV will not be considered.