Senior BD Director: Rail Signalling & Infrastructure

University of Fort Hare; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare is seeking a senior Business Development Director for Southern Africa, focusing on rail signalling and infrastructure growth. You will shape market strategy, lead engagement with government authorities, and drive major opportunities across sales, tendering, finance, and legal functions.

The role demands a senior, strategic mindset, deep industry relationships, and gravitas to engage C-suite stakeholders.

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering or Business — MBA/Engineering master’s preferred.
• At least 10 years’ experience in rail or related industries, or project engineering.
• Proven ability to identify and lead winning BD strategies.
• Strong relationships with customers, government authorities, and internal stakeholders.
• Knowledge of competitor offerings and market dynamics.
• Excellent communication, including executive-level interpersonal ability.
• Sharp problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Global and cultural awareness.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the BD strategy for Southern Africa, aligned to regional and global plans.
• Promote a world-leading portfolio of signalling and infrastructure solutions to win new business.
• Build and maintain relationships with decision-makers across customers and government authorities.
• Compile and analyse market intelligence on trends and competitor strategies.
• Develop lobbying action plans and form strategic partnerships.
• Support tender leaders and customer directors through negotiations and contracts.
• Ensure BD activity complies with ethics and governance standards.
• Maintain accurate opportunity tracking and market reporting via CRM tools.

Skills

Business development

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Public speaking

Education

Engineering degree

MBA / Master's in Engineering

Job description

University of Fort Hare is seeking a senior Business Development Director for Southern Africa, focusing on rail signalling and infrastructure growth. You will shape market strategy, lead engagement with government authorities, and drive major opportunities across sales, tendering, finance, and legal functions.

The role demands a senior, strategic mindset, deep industry relationships, and gravitas to engage C-suite stakeholders.