Business Development Manager

Industry: Public Administration & Defence

Job category: External Sales

Location: Johannesburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Etion Create is an Original Design Manufacturer specialising in the design, manufacture, integration and support of advanced technology systems. We are seeking to employ a Business Development Manager in our Business Development Division. This role will require international travel.

• Generate and grow revenue through the generation of sales
• Support revenue growth through well‑engineered solutions

• Conduct technical market analysis to identify new applications, sectors, and solution opportunities
• Engage customers at a technical level to understand system requirements, constraints, and use cases
• Translate customer needs into feasible solutions aligned with internal engineering and manufacturing capabilities

• Assess solution feasibility, risks, lead times, and cost drivers in collaboration with engineering teams
• Develop technical proposals, solution descriptions, and supporting documentation
• Act as the technical interface between customers and internal development, quality, and production teams

• Maintain deep knowledge of products and system integration capabilities
• Manage and document customer engagements, opportunities, and solution history
• Contribute to product roadmap input and solution standardisation based on market and customer feedback
• Relevant tertiary education within the engineering industry
• Postgraduate qualification will be advantageous
• Minimum 5 years' experience in the electronic/software development industry
• Minimum 5 years' project management experience
• Minimum 5–10 years' experience in business development and customer relations
• Experience in the defence industry with specific experience in military land systems
• Strong understanding of electronic systems, embedded systems, or industrial technology
• Ability to translate customer requirements into technical solutions
• Understanding of system architecture, integration, and technical constraints
• Ability to assess technical feasibility, risks, and trade‑offs for customer solutions
• Comfortable engaging in technical discussions with engineers and technically informed customers
• Basic commercial awareness (cost drivers, lead times, feasibility impact on pricing)

• Computer literacy – solid proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Jira/Confluence usage an advantage

• Fostering a culture of customer centricity and effective customer relation skills

• Reliability, honesty, dependability and trustworthiness
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset
• Ability to build trust‑based relationships through technical competence
• Clear, structured communicator (verbal and written), especially for technical topics
• Resilience in managing complex or evolving customer requirements
• Values long‑term customer relationships over short‑term transactions
• Mature and positive attitude
• Ability to apply initiative and be creative
• Ability to work in a team and under pressure
• Intrinsic sense of responsibility
• Well organised and deadline driven
• Good interpersonal skills
• Neat personal appearance
• Ability to work well with management, personnel and customers