Business Development Consultant

BMA; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private sector pace

Flexible working

Performance recognition

Collaborative culture

Job summary

BMA in Durban seeks a proactive Supplier Development Consultant to help SMEs grow, become competitive and access anchor firm opportunities. You will engage directly with SMEs, strengthen capabilities, and support ESD spend to drive measurable impact across the supply chain.

You will identify capability gaps, coordinate interventions, and connect SMEs with anchor firms while tracking progress and reporting outcomes for sustained growth.

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 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.
• 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.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excel proficiency

Communication

Education

Honours degree

Master’s degree (beneficial)

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory systems

Job costing software

Job description

Supplier Development Consultant

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?

Supplier Development & Support

• 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:

Essential:

• Durban based
• 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.