Business Development Manager at Grindrod Tanzania

Grindrod is a South African Logistics company, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and has a presence in over 23 countries. Our subsidiary Grindrod Logistics Africa - the leader in cross-border and project logistics, operating from offices in all major transit corridors in Southern and East Africa – including Dar es Salam and Mwanza in Tanzania.

Our commitment to forging new routes and delivering Africa’s commodities to the world is unwavering and we have recently completed the construction of a ship, the MV Mpungu which will be transporting goods across Lake Victoria between Uganda and Tanzania.

Our staff are in place, and we are commencing with testing and on-boarding customers.

We therefore require the services of a

Business Development Manager Tanzania

We require a Business Development Manager to join our team in Dar es Salaam. The successful applicant will play a pivotal role in driving the growth of our business by identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities. This role is key to expanding our client base, enhancing our market presence, and delivering value-driven logistics solutions. The successful candidate will be a dynamic, results-oriented individual with a passion for building relationships, creating value, and driving business growth within the logistics sector.

The responsibilities will include:

• Client Acquisition: Identify and target potential clients, initiate contact, and build relationships with key decision-makers to introduce our services and solutions. Develop tailored proposals and presentations to meet client needs
• Business Strategy Development: Collaborate with senior management to develop and implement business development strategies aligned with the company’s goals and growth objectives. Identify new markets, product opportunities, and service offerings
• Partnership Development: Foster relationships with strategic partners, vendors, and other stakeholders to enhance our market position. Explore and establish partnerships that can create new revenue streams or enhance existing services
• Sales and Revenue Generation: Develop and manage a robust sales pipeline, negotiate contracts, close deals, and meet or exceed revenue targets. Regularly track and report on key sales metrics and business development activities
• Brand Positioning and Networking: Represent Grindrod at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to increase brand visibility, promote services, and network with potential clients and partners
• Collaboration with Internal Teams: Work closely with internal teams in Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa, including operations, finance, and customer service, systems etc. to ensure seamless delivery of services to new clients and maintain high standards of customer satisfaction
• Reporting and Analysis: Prepare regular reports on business development activities, sales performance, market feedback, and competitive analysis. Provide insights and recommendations for strategic decision-making
• Relationship Management: Define customer Key Performance Indicators in line with business strategy in collaboration with the Senior Management team. Review customer KPI’s monthly during take-on phase, ensuring customer and Grindrod compliance. Driving opportunities to build strategic partnerships through the identification of opportunities for collaboration and management of internal business functions against agreed KPI’s. Manage customer queries and concerns as and when they occur.
• Market Research and Analysis: Conduct comprehensive market research to identify new business opportunities, potential clients, emerging trends, and competitive landscape within the logistics and supply chain industry. Develop strategies to target these opportunities effectively

The Requirements will include:

Qualification:

• B Com Degree in Logistics or Business Management.
• Post Graduate Qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain Management or Transport Economics.
• MBA or master’s in supply chain / Transport Economics would be an advantage.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or a similar role within the logistics, supply chain, or transportation industry, and more than 5 years’ experience in most of the following:
• Cross Border Logistics
• International Shipping
• Customs Clearing
• Supply chain Management
• Commercial, sales and marketing
• Leading teams within Africa
• Project Logistics
• Coordinating and managing global logistics projects
• Working in a cross-functional team
• Contract Law or International Shipping and Logistics Legal experience
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• SHEQ/Risk Management
• Senior Management Experience

Skills:

• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets.
• Ability to identify opportunities.
• Excellent and effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Ability to interact with staff and clients at all levels.
• Ability to create and monitor effective business development strategies for the company.
• Ability to set and achieve annual revenue targets.
• Strong business acumen
• Ability to deal effectively with customer demands from an operational perspective.
• Strong problem-solving ability and identification of departmental needs and potential threats
• Able to travel in Africa as and when required, spending at least 1 week per month in Mwanza.
• Ability to converse in all regional languages will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of systems and processes involved in logistics.
• Sub-contractor or management and tender management
• Contracting and legal principles and compliance
• In-depth knowledge in logistics elements for complex and high-value projects.
• Financial acumen
• Sales and Marketing experience
• Relevant Marketing and service design knowledge
• Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Team Leadership
• Analytical Problem-solving
• Must have own motor vehicle and valid driver’s license.
• Must be a Tanzanian citizen

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Due consideration will be given to the company’s equity targets.

Please note that the position has been opened to internal and external candidates.