Business Development Consultant

BMA; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Performance recognition

Collaborative culture

Job summary

BMA Durban is seeking a Supplier Development Consultant to help SMEs grow within anchor firm supply chains, improving competitiveness and value delivery.

You’ll work hybrid, engaging with SMEs on capability-building, market access, and ESD spend optimization, tracking progress and contributing to measurable outcomes for clients and industry. If you’re pragmatic, curious and eager to drive economic impact, apply now.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in consulting, business improvement, operations, ESD or a similar environment.
• Proven process improvement experience, including root cause analysis, process mapping and SOP design
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with confidence in Excel
• Minimum Honours degree from a leading academic university
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly to client sites

Responsibilities

• Strengthen SME fundamentals across operations, finance and commercial viability
• Identify capability gaps and facilitate targeted development interventions
• Improve SME performance, competitiveness, value proposition and market positioning
• Contribute to SME development programmes, tools and continuous improvement
• Track progress and support measurable business growth
• Identify supply opportunities and connect SMEs with anchor firms
• Build relationships with anchor firms to understand procurement needs and standards
• Match SMEs to relevant supply chain opportunities
• Prepare SMEs for buyer engagement, pitches and presentations

Skills

Consulting

Operations

ESD

Data analysis

Excel

Education

Honours degree

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory management software

Job costing systems

Job description

Durban-based | Hybrid (Work from Home + Office + Client Sites)

What do we do?

Our purpose is to build dignity and opportunity through sustainable, production-led economies - by making Africa a globally competitive manufacturing hub. We achieve this by partnering with the public and private sectors on global trade policy and strategy; unlocking cash flow and profitability in companies; strengthening sustainability and resilience in manufacturing; and solving complex client challenges.

What’s the role?

As a Supplier Development Consultant, you’ll help small and medium enterprises grow, compete and access opportunities within anchor firm supply chains.

You’ll:

• Work directly with SMEs to strengthen capability and performance
• Help suppliers become more competitive and supply-chain ready
• Support the effective use of Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) spend
• Create measurable value for SMEs and anchor firms, including stronger B-BBEE outcomes

It’s a practical, purpose-driven role for someone who wants to learn, grow and contribute to meaningful economic change in South Africa.

What will you be doing?

• Strengthen SME fundamentals across operations, finance and commercial viability
• Identify capability gaps and facilitate targeted development interventions
• Improve SME performance, competitiveness, value proposition and market positioning
• Contribute to SME development programmes, tools and continuous improvement
• Track progress and support measurable business growth

Market Access & Linkages

• Identify supply opportunities and connect SMEs with lead/anchor firms
• Build relationships with anchor firms to understand procurement needs and standards
• Match SMEs to relevant supply chain opportunities
• Prepare SMEs for buyer engagement, pitches and presentations

ESD Impact and Value Optimisation

• Design and coordinate matchmaking events, showcases and industry engagements
• Support effective deployment of ESD spend for commercial and compliance value
• Align SME interventions with B-BBEE scorecard objectives
• Monitor and report on SME outcomes and impact

  Who are you?

  You’ll thrive in this role if you:

  • Want to make a meaningful difference through employment and economic growth
  • Bring energy, optimism and a strong bias for action
  • Think independently and take ownership
  • Naturally think in systems, processes and next steps
  • Have strong business acumen and understand commercial pressures and opportunities
  • Are comfortable with detail, data, basic financials and simple business modelling
  • Can distinguish between operational, process and market challenges
  • Adapt easily across different people and environments, from boardroom to factory floor
  • Communicate confidently and are comfortable reaching out to move work forward
  • Are curious, eager to learn and motivated by new ideas
  • Work hard, contribute positively and enjoy being part of a team

  Requirements:

  • 3+ years’ experience in consulting, business improvement, operations, ESD or a similar environment
  • Proven process improvement experience, including root cause analysis, process mapping and SOP design
  • Strong numerical and analytical skills, with confidence in Excel
  • Minimum Honours degree from a leading academic university
  • Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly to client sites

  Beneficial:

  • Understanding of retail supply processes, including ranging, compliance, replenishment, delivery and returns
  • Manufacturing process knowledge, including planning, capacity, quality systems and lean practices
  • Experience integrating new suppliers into large corporate supply chains
  • Familiarity with B-BBEE Enterprise & Supplier Development and ESD scorecard requirements
  • Exposure to ERP, inventory, job costing or similar enterprise systems
  • Master’s degree from a recognised university

  What we offer:

  Working at BMA comes with:

  • Private sector pace, social impact - meaningful work that supports sustainable industrialisation and economic growth
  • Flexible working - balance time between home, the office and client sites
  • Performance recognition - discretionary awards, bonuses and opportunities to grow quickly
  • Collaborative culture - a supportive, energetic environment with strong induction, regular team huddles and space to celebrate wins.

  We look forward to hearing from you and, if successful, will reach out to you soon.