Business Development Manager at Watu Africa

Job Title

Business Development Manager

Level

Manager

Branch

HQ

Department

Commercial

Reports to

Deputy Country Manager

Country

Tanzania

Direct Reports

Yes

Role Purpose

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving sustainable business growth by merging high-level market intelligence with active sales execution. This role involves collecting and translating market, industry, and competitive data into actionable insights to attract new clients, oversee growth projects, and forecast revenue in line with organizational goals.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Business Development

• Business Development & Growth Strategy: Create and execute business development plans, and growth strategy projections to drive company revenue for all products including, launching new markets, setting up branches, offices and centers.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain positive relationships with existing and potential stakeholders
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise with internal teams, marketing, brand, communication, sales and other managers to maximize business development opportunities
• Staff Development: Train colleagues across departments to align with the company’s strategic objectives
  

Retail:

• Retail business management: Create and execute retail strategy for all branches and oversee branches asset financing operations across the country.
• Customer Service: Managing strategically customers inquiries, complaints, feedback, providing information and solutions and assistance to the branch teams.
• Logistics and Supply: Manage ordering, receiving, storing, and distributing inventory, oversee branch assets and equipment
• Partner Management: Negotiate and maintain contracts with local government, property owners, suppliers, service providers, and agents
• Budgeting and Finances: Prepare and review budgets, forecasts, reports, ensure proper accounting and auditing
• Team Management: Hire, train, coach, evaluate staff performance, foster work culture
  

Market Research & Intelligence:

• Intelligence Design: Design and execute qualitative and quantitative research studies, including surveys, focus groups, and field studies
• Secondary Research: Monitor industry reports, regulatory documents, and macro-economic indicators to understand market dynamics
• Competitive Analysis: Track competitors’ products, pricing, and business models to identify gaps, threats, and positioning strategies
• Customer Insights: Analyze customer needs, pain points, and buying behavior to identify new segments and product opportunities
• Data Analysis: Use statistical and financial tools to interpret trends in sales performance and build scenario-based models
• Strategic Advisory: Act as a thought partner to management by providing analytical input for corporate strategy and expansion plans
  

Reporting & Administration:

• Departmental Reports: Make departmental reports and present them to management
• General Tasks: Carry out any other responsibilities assigned by management.
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Business Development: Achievement of business growth / sales targets and revenue forecasts.

Research Quality: Accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of market insights provided to leadership.

Strategic Impact: The number of strategic decisions or product innovations supported by research findings.

Stakeholder Satisfaction: Quality of collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams.

Expected Outputs / Deliverables

• Launching new markets - branches
• Sales growth both products
• Market research reports
• Competitive intelligence dashboards
• Customer insights and segmentation analysis
• Financial and business analysis models
• Market entry and feasibility studies
• Strategy and investment support presentations
• Regular market and industry updates
  

Acts as a strategic partner rather than just a data provider

Qualifications & Skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Finance, or Statistics. An MBA or MSc is a strong advantage
  

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office (Excel/PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) and survey tools (SurveyMonkey, Kobo)
  

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive sales and marketing experience, specifically selling to SME and large enterprises
• Relevant experience in: Business research or market research firms, Consulting, strategy, or analytics roles or Financial services (banking, microfinance, fintech, asset financing)
• Experience in consulting, strategy, or financial services is a strong advantage.
• Proven experience conducting market and business research
• Experience working with financial data and commercial decision-making
• Exposure to emerging markets is a strong advantage
  

Key Competencies (Behavioral & Functional)

Core Competencies

• Business acumen and development skills
• Analytical & critical thinking
• Strategic mindset
• Problem-solving orientation
• Strong judgment and objectivity
  

Behavioral Competencies

• Clear and persuasive communication
• Stakeholder management
• Ability to influence decisions using data
• Adaptability in dynamic environments
• Integrity and confidentiality
  

Research & Analytical Skills

• Market research design and execution
• Statistical analysis and data interpretation
• Financial modeling and analysis
• Forecasting and scenario planning
  

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal/written communication and data storytelling skills
• Strong negotiation, organizational, and prioritization skills
• Report writing and data storytelling.
• Presentation skills (PowerPoint, Slides)
• Ability to simplify complex data
  

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Be a part of an international, dynamic and driven team that has set their aspirations high and work hard to achieve those
• Opportunities to learn and grow together with us
• Competitive compensation package
• Health benefits
  

Do you see yourself being part of the WATU team? Then please apply with your CV and a cover letter, we are looking forward to working with you!