BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (FRENCH SPEAKING)

Indian Ocean Export Company; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading export trading firm is looking for a skilled Business Development Manager to lead sales growth in French-speaking Africa. This role entails negotiating large deals, maintaining client relationships, and expanding the customer base. Candidates must be fluent in French, have a proven track record in export sales, and possess strong communication and negotiation skills. The position offers a competitive salary plus commission and involves frequent travel to target markets.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Commission structure

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in business development or sales in the export environment.
• Proven track record in meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Strong network in Central and West Africa.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow sales in the French-speaking regions.
• Negotiate contracts and review terms for market compliance.
• Build relationships with C-level stakeholders.

Skills

Fluency in French

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Marketing or Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

Tools

Qlikview/Qliksense

Job description

ROLE: Business Development Manager (French-speaking)
COMPANY: Indian Ocean Export Company (IOEC)
INDUSTRY: Export trade: FMCG food, beverages, fruit, veg, wine, alcohol & building supplies.
LOCATION: On site, Morningside, Durban.
REPORTS TO: Commercial Manager and Commercial Director.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Indian Ocean Export Company is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager with a proven track record in export trading of foods to lead profitable sales growth for IOEC in the French-speaking territory of Central and West Africa and to expand our customer base. The ideal candidate will combine strategic thinking with hands‑on execution, build strong client relationships, and broaden our footprint in French‑speaking markets. Fluency in French (written and spoken) and proficiency in English are required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Successfully negotiate a trade (sale) using negotiation and salesman's skills. Close large, complex deals.

• Comply with the regulations of the various markets. Negotiate contracts, terms, and renewal opportunities.

• Align cross‑functional teams to ensure delivery against commitments, ensure the sales go through and have the required follow up. Communication is timeously given to all stakeholders, internal and external.

• Maintain a high level of service to existing and potential clients through relationships and relationship building. Cultivate relationships with C‑level stakeholders and decision‑makers in target accounts.

• Seek and identify opportunities in the market. Expand customer base. Maintain existing business. Data‑driven decision making: utilise data and performance metrics to guide decision‑making and improve portfolio performance.

• Debtors - making sure debt is being collected in a timeous manner.
  Report on performance metrics, development plans and market insights to executive leadership
  o Meet or exceed performance against budget. Achieve profit budgets which the candidate would annually set with the approval of the MD.
  o Develop and execute a comprehensive business development plan to achieve revenue targets in French‑speaking regions.
  o Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and proposals in both French and English.
  o Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and regulatory considerations affecting the target markets.
  o Trip & meeting preparation.

• Trade Shows: Project Manage international trade show, industry and other marketing events and be in physical attendance.

• Comfortably work within the company's logistical and financial controls.

MINIMUM ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

Experience:

• Proven hunter with a history of meeting/exceeding sales and achieving volume/unit or region targets in an export environment.
• Proven track record 5+ years in new business development, sales, trading or key account management.
• Travel experienced into West/Central Africa, strong network in Central and West Africa.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage a diverse pipeline of products, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Skills:

• Knowledge of multiple food categories, manufacturers, value chain, industry knowledge and market knowledge.
• Qlikview/Qliksense analytics or similar. Data analysis skills to identify potential areas for improvement. Mathematical understanding and ability to analyse and interpret figures and business information.
• Consistent and accurate report writing.
• Commercial awareness and business acumen, objection handling, presentation skills, negotiation skills.
• Project management and timely execution within budget.

Qualifications:

• Matric & Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Marketing or Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

Operational:

• Valid passport
• Clear criminal and credit
• Valid Drivers License
• The position would require the candidate to travel to the allocated Market / country at least once every 6 weeks and spend a period of approximately 10 days seeing customers and extending / developing our current business.

Traits:

• Business acumen, curiosity, and objective judgment.

Package & Remuneration:

Salary will be competitive base salary + commission structure

Applications:

• If you believe you fulfil the above criteria required for the role, please submit your resume in English and French to [e-mail]
• Please note that if you do not fulfil all the above requirements for the position your CV will not be considered.