Head of Business Development - Manufacturing

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Head of Business Development to lead strategy, identify opportunities, and drive revenue growth in a manufacturing environment. The role focuses on partnerships, negotiations, and market expansion to strengthen the company’s footprint in KwaZulu-Natal.

The successful candidate will bring 8+ years in BD/strategy, an appropriate degree (MBA preferred), and a proven ability to close major deals while collaborating with R&D, Sales and Operations. Hybrid work is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Admin, Engineering, Marketing or related field.
• MBA or related postgraduate qualification is highly desirable.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in business development, strategy, or a related senior management role, preferably within the manufacturing sector.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and closing significant business deals and strategic partnerships.
• Strong understanding of market dynamics, financial analysis, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and pursue new business opportunities, market segments, and strategic partnerships within the manufacturing industry.
• Develop and implement comprehensive business development strategies aligned with the company’s objectives and growth targets.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, customer needs, and opportunities.
• Lead end-to-end BD process from lead generation to proposal development, negotiation, and deal closure.
• Build and maintain relationships with key industry players, potential clients, government bodies, and strategic partners.

Skills

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Relationship building

Market research

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Engineering degree

MBA

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing firm with diverse operations, is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Business Development to join their team in Durban . This senior role is responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth through innovative development strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the manufacturing sector, exceptional market insight, and a proven ability to translate strategic vision into tangible business outcomes. This is a critical leadership position focused on expanding our client’s market presence and ensuring sustainable growth in a competitive landscape. The role requires a proactive individual capable of assessing market potential, developing compelling business proposals, and leading negotiations with key stakeholders. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in shaping the company’s future direction and expanding its footprint within the industrial sector. This position is based in the bustling port city of Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and pursue new business opportunities, market segments, and strategic partnerships within the manufacturing industry.
• Develop and implement comprehensive business development strategies aligned with the company’s overall objectives and growth targets.
• Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and potential threats or opportunities.
• Lead the end-to-end business development process, from lead generation and qualification to proposal development, negotiation, and deal closure.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key industry players, potential clients, government bodies, and strategic partners.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including R&D, sales, marketing, and operations, to ensure successful integration and execution of new business initiatives.
• Develop and manage the business development budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to enhance brand visibility and identify new opportunities.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field.
• An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in business development, strategy, or a related senior management role, preferably within the manufacturing sector.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and closing significant business deals and strategic partnerships.
• Strong understanding of market dynamics, financial analysis, and strategic planning.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing in-office and remote collaboration.
• Knowledge of the KwaZulu-Natal industrial and manufacturing landscape is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• This role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth and development within a leading manufacturing organization.
• Employees will benefit from working in a dynamic environment with opportunities to shape the company’s strategic direction.
• The hybrid work model offers flexibility and supports a healthy work-life balance.

Join our client in Durban and contribute to their ongoing success and expansion.