Director of Strategy and Market Development

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical aid

Generous pension fund contribution

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development allowances

Flexible work schedule

Remote-first collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Director of Strategy and Market Development to lead strategic initiatives and identify growth opportunities across South Africa. This fully remote role demands deep market insight, governance over strategic planning, and collaboration with executive leadership to drive sustainable growth.

You will analyze market trends, evaluate new markets, and craft actionable plans to achieve ambitious business goals while aligning with product, marketing, and sales teams.

Qualifications

• MBA or equivalent business degree.
• 10+ years in strategic planning, market analysis and business development.
• Proven ability to develop and execute market-entry strategies.
• Strong analytical, financial modelling and forecasting skills.

Responsibilities

• Shape and refine the company-wide strategic plan and growth agenda.
• Lead market research, competitive analysis, and identification of new markets.
• Develop go-to-market plans for new products/services and oversee execution.
• Collaborate with product, marketing, and sales to ensure successful launches and adoption.
• Engage stakeholders at all levels and influence executive decision-making.

Skills

Market analysis

Strategic planning

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Stakeholder management

Education

MBA or equivalent (Master's in Business Administration)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Director of Strategy and Market Development to spearhead our strategic initiatives and identify new growth opportunities across diverse markets. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa while driving significant impact for our organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping our long-term vision, analyzing market trends, and developing actionable plans to achieve ambitious business goals. This role requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and strategic planning methodologies. You will collaborate closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure strategic alignment and successful execution. This is a unique chance to influence the future direction of our company and drive sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the company's overall strategic plan, ensuring alignment with market opportunities and organizational capabilities.
• Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, threats, and opportunities.
• Identify and evaluate potential new markets and business ventures for expansion.
• Develop and implement market entry strategies and go-to-market plans for new products and services.
• Collaborate with product development, marketing, and sales teams to ensure successful launch and adoption.
• Build strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including partners, investors, and industry influencers.
• Prepare strategic recommendations and present them to the executive leadership team and board of directors.
• Monitor the implementation of strategic initiatives and track progress against key performance indicators.
• Foster a culture of innovation and strategic thinking throughout the organization.
• Manage strategic planning processes and ensure robust execution across all departments.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic planning, market analysis, and business development, with a strong understanding of global markets.
• Proven experience in developing and executing successful market entry strategies.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Strong understanding of financial modeling and market forecasting techniques.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in a remote-first environment and managing distributed teams.
• Familiarity with various market research methodologies and tools.
• A strategic mindset with a passion for innovation and driving growth.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work remotely in South Africa.

Benefits

This remote role offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to shape company strategy. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience and strategic impact. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid coverage, a generous pension fund contribution, and performance-based bonuses. We support continuous learning through professional development allowances and access to online learning platforms. Employees also benefit from a flexible work schedule, allowing for optimal work-life balance. As a remote-first organization, we foster a strong sense of community through virtual team-building activities and regular online engagement. Join us to drive impactful change from anywhere.