Business Development Head/Commercial Manager

Business Development Head/Commercial Manager

A dynamic social enterprise focused on addressing climate change, deforestation, and promoting renewable energy and rural livelihoods. The company is dedicated to producing high-quality, efficient cook stoves for low-income communities in Nigeria and neighboring countries, aiming to provide sustainable and affordable energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all sales and commercial activities for the company’s cookstove project in Nigeria and neighboring countries.
• Grow sales from the current 50,000 units annually to 1 million stoves by the end of 2025.
• Develop innovative business models, including partnerships with banks and microfinance institutions to increase accessibility.
• Establish strong networks with intermediaries, cooperatives, and other bulk buyers for the stoves.
• Drive direct sales efforts by forming and managing state-specific sales teams across northern Nigeria.
• Ensure proper training, development, and expansion of the sales team to maximize market penetration.
• Implement and follow a sales strategy aligned with growth and revenue targets.
• Maintain and nurture relationships with customers through effective account management.
• Collaborate closely with supply chain and inventory management teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Handle the hiring and management of local warehouses and business partners.
• Manage local sales partners and negotiate contracts as necessary.
• Organize cost-effective shipping and handling of stoves and components.
• Serve as the company’s representative with local contractors, service providers, and government authorities.
• Build and lead a team of sales managers across regions.
• Regularly report to the general manager and the senior management team.

Profile Requirements:

• A university degree or equivalent qualification, ideally in Marketing or Business.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate B2B and B2C direct sales, with a strong background in relationship management.
• Proven experience in selling products to low-income groups and success in business development.
• Experience working with intermediaries, cooperatives, and microfinance institutions.
• Ability to work effectively with governmental institutions and a comfort level in liaising with officials.
• International work experience is preferred.
• Strong hands-on sales skills with a proven track record of achieving sales targets.
• Highly ambitious and results-driven with an affinity for business metrics.
• Willingness to relocate and work in Kano, Nigeria.
• Fluent in English, with additional language skills in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, or Fulfulde considered an advantage.
• Passion for combating climate change and promoting sustainability.
• Ability to operate in both political and international arenas.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation with performance-based bonuses.
• The opportunity to build and lead a sales team.
• A chance to work with high-quality, locally-made products.
• Access to high-level government and institutional contacts.
• A role with significant social impact, combating poverty and climate change.
• A supportive work environment with flat hierarchies.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit the following in a single PDF document (max 10MB):

• A cover letter outlining motivation and key competences.
• A detailed CV with salary expectations.
• Employment certificates from previous roles.
• Academic certificates.
• Any additional documentation showcasing social or political involvement (if available).

Please email your application to [email address].

Application Process:

• Application submission
• First and second-level interviews
• Paid test assignment
• In-person meeting and presentation in Kano
• Final interview with the CEO