Business Development Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa

Upskill Universe; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking education company is seeking an entrepreneurial Business Development Manager for a 6-month fixed-term contract. This remote role involves consultative sales, building relationships with enterprise clients across Sub-Saharan Africa, and managing the full sales cycle. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in selling to enterprise clients, excellent relationship-building skills, and a passion for AI and digital tools.

Qualifications

• Proven success in consultative sales with enterprise clients.
• Ability to work independently and build a pipeline.
• Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Sell consultatively, uncover client needs.
• Identify and close new business opportunities.
• Manage the entire sales cycle from outreach to close.

Skills

Relationship-building

Consultative selling

Communication skills

Sales cycle navigation

Interest in AI and digital tools

Job description

At UpSkill Universe, we're on a mission to shape the future of work across Sub-Saharan Africa.

We're looking for an entrepreneurial Business Development Manager on a 6-month fixed-term contract to help us grow our presence and win new enterprise clients.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on autonomy, sells consultatively, and knows how to plug into enterprise networks across markets like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

You’ll combine curiosity, creativity, and commercial acumen to connect with senior decision-makers and help solve complex challenges through future skills and digital learning.

Role Highlights

Sell consultatively, uncovering client needs and crafting tailored solutions that deliver real value

Identify and close new business opportunities across enterprise clients in SSA

Operate autonomously, managing the entire sales cycle from outreach to negotiation and close

Use AI and digital tools to drive smarter prospecting, engagement, and pipeline management

Leverage your networks and insights to stay plugged into key enterprise sectors and trends

Travel occasionally across SSA to deepen relationships and close deals face-to-face

About You

Proven success selling consultatively into enterprise clients, ideally in fast-paced, growth-focused environments

Entrepreneurial and proactive, with the ability to work independently and build your own pipeline

Excellent relationship‑building and communication skills, comfortable engaging senior stakeholders

Skilled at navigating complex sales cycles and closing high‑value deals

Passionate about AI, digital tools, and their potential to transform sales and learning

Deep interest in the future skills landscape and social impact

This is a remote role with regional travel.

Help us unlock potential and shape the future of work across Africa.

Contract – 6-month FTC