Export Business Development Manager SSA - VW

The Exports Business Development Manager is responsible for driving sustainable and profitable growth across selected export markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. The role focuses on acquiring new customers, developing and enabling channel partners, creating regional demand, and growing selected strategic accounts where appropriate.

This position plays a key role in front-end market development by translating market potential into qualified demand and long-term customer and distributor relationships. Through strong customer insight, partner collaboration, and demand generation initiatives, the role supports increased market share across priority export regions.

• Understand complex B2B environments, customers and market dynamics

• Make sound commercial and strategic decisions

• Develop and execute growth plans in evolving and ambiguous markets

• Build strong market, customer and partner insight

• Influence internal and external stakeholders

• Build long-term customer and distributor relationships

• Work independently with high levels of accountability

• Adapt quickly and remain resilient in cross-border environments

• Travel extensively across Sub-Saharan Africa

• Grade 12

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing or Engineering

• Minimum 3 years successful B2B sales or business development experience, ideally within export markets

• Proven ability to open new markets and acquire new customers

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including forecasting and ROI analysis

• Data-driven approach with disciplined CRM usage

• Experience working across countries and cultures

• Understanding of distributor and reseller models, including partner enablement and training

• Experience planning and executing demand generation initiatives such as trade shows, customer events, roadshows, workshops or webinars

• Consultative, value-led selling approach

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• High levels of self-motivation and autonomy

• Technical aptitude or affinity for technology

• Collaborative team player

• Valid South African drivers licence

• Experience in MRO, industrial distribution or technical solutions environments

• Fluency in English

• Experience in cross-border trade, including:

  • Export legislation and regulatory requirements

  • Export processes and documentation

• Exposure to industrial product categories such as automation, electrical, electronics, tools or consumables

• Experience with MRO procurement, eProcurement or inventory solutions

• Identify, target, and secure new export customers across Sub-Saharan Africa
• Open and develop new markets and regions
• Build and manage a strong, active pipeline of new business opportunities

• Identify, onboard, and grow distributor and reseller partners

• Drive revenue through channel partners and direct customer engagement

• Plan and execute sales initiatives including trade shows, roadshows, customer events, and workshop
• Conduct market research to identify growth opportunities and customer needs
• Lead sales conversations using a consultative, value-based selling approach

• Convert demand into qualified opportunities, orders, and revenue

• Work closely with internal teams to ensure smooth onboarding and delivery
• Maintain accurate forecasting and CRM data
• Ensure export processes and documentation are followed correctly

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