Business Development Consultant
| Job Title: | Business Development Consultant |
| Location: | Windhoek, Namibia |
| Reports To: | Executive Director |
| Department: | Flexona Creations |
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB SUMMARY
The Business Development Consultant is responsible for driving the company’s revenue growth, market expansion and customer acquisition through strategic business development, sales, marketing, partnerships and relationship management. The position is responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, developing relationships with corporate, government, institutional and private-sector clients, strengthening existing customer relationships and positioning the company for sustainable growth within the Namibian garment manufacturing and creative industries sector.
The role will lead business development initiatives from opportunity identification through to client engagement, proposal development, quotation follow-up and conversion of opportunities into confirmed business. The position will also support the company’s marketing, brand visibility and strategic partnership initiatives and provide management with regular reports on sales performance, market opportunities, customer trends and growth prospects. The Business Development Consultant will work closely with the Managing Director, Sales Representatives, Administrator and other relevant employees to ensure that business opportunities are effectively pursued and that customers receive professional and responsive service.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAs) a) Business Development and Revenue Growth (40%)
Develop and implement business development strategies aimed at increasing revenue, expanding the customer base and strengthening the company’s market position.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities across the corporate, government, institutional, NGO, education and private sectors.
Research potential clients and develop targeted approaches to introduce the company’s products and services.
Proactively identify organisations that may require uniforms, branded garments, workwear, promotional clothing, customised apparel and related products.
Conduct client visits, business presentations, networking activities and meetings to generate new business opportunities.
Develop and maintain a structured business development pipeline and regularly track prospective clients from initial contact through to conversion.
Identify and pursue tender, quotation, procurement and supply opportunities relevant to the company’s products and services.
Coordinate the preparation and submission of business proposals, company profiles, quotations, tender responses and other business development documents.
Follow up consistently on submitted quotations, proposals and tenders to improve conversion rates.
Develop strategies to increase repeat business and encourage existing customers to purchase additional products and services.
Monitor sales performance against agreed targets and develop corrective strategies where targets are not being achieved.
Conduct market research to identify emerging customer needs, industry trends and potential new markets.
Monitor competitor activities, pricing approaches, products and market positioning and provide recommendations to management.
Collaborate with the Managing Director on strategic growth initiatives and potential business expansion opportunities.
b) Client and Customer Relationship Management (20%)
Develop and maintain strong, professional and long-term relationships with existing and prospective clients.
Act as a key point of contact for major customers and strategic accounts.
Regularly communicate with clients to understand their needs, requirements and expectations.
Conduct client follow-ups to identify opportunities for repeat orders and additional business.
Respond to customer enquiries and ensure that enquiries are directed to the relevant internal employees for timely attention.
Coordinate the preparation and submission of quotations within agreed turnaround times.
Follow up on quotations and proposals and maintain accurate records of outcomes.
Handle customer complaints and concerns professionally and ensure that matters are referred to the appropriate person for resolution.
Conduct customer satisfaction follow-ups and gather feedback regarding products and services.
Maintain a customer database containing relevant client information, contacts, opportunities, quotations and business history.
Develop customer retention strategies to increase repeat business and strengthen customer loyalty.
Identify opportunities to cross-sell or introduce existing customers to additional company products and services.
c) Marketing, Brand Visibility and Market Positioning (15%)
Develop and implement marketing initiatives that strengthen the company’s visibility and generate business leads.
Support the development and implementation of the company’s annual marketing and business development plan.
Promote the company’s products, services, capabilities and value proposition through appropriate marketing channels.
Coordinate promotional activities across social media, digital platforms, exhibitions, networking events, trade events and other appropriate channels.
Work with Sales Representatives to convert marketing enquiries and leads into potential and confirmed customers.
Assist with the development of marketing materials, company brochures, presentations, promotional material and social media content.
Identify opportunities to improve the company’s brand positioning within the garment manufacturing, uniform, workwear and creative industries market.
Maintain awareness of customer preferences and market trends and recommend new marketing approaches accordingly.
Identify suitable exhibitions, networking forums, business events and industry platforms where the company can increase its visibility.
Promote the company’s internship, skills development and community initiatives where these support the company’s brand and reputation.
Monitor the effectiveness of marketing initiatives and provide recommendations based on customer engagement and business results.
d) Strategic Partnerships and Business Networking (15%)
Identify and develop strategic partnerships that can generate new business opportunities or strengthen the company’s market position.
Build relationships with businesses, government institutions, NGOs, training institutions, schools, industry bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
Identify opportunities for collaborations, supply arrangements, corporate partnerships and joint initiatives.
Represent the company professionally at networking events, business forums, exhibitions and stakeholder engagements.
Maintain a database of strategic contacts and potential partners.
Develop and maintain relationships with key decision-makers and procurement representatives.
Identify opportunities for the company to participate in supplier databases, procurement platforms, industry programmes and relevant business networks.
Provide management with recommendations on partnerships that may contribute to revenue generation, market access or brand development.
e) Sales Team Coordination and Development (10%)
Provide guidance and direction to Sales Representatives regarding lead generation, customer engagement and follow-up activities.
Set and monitor agreed sales and business development targets in consultation with the Managing Director.
Review sales activities and pipeline progress regularly with the Sales Representatives.
Assist Sales Representatives with challenging client engagements, proposals and business opportunities where required.
Coach and support sales staff in professional customer engagement, lead conversion and relationship management.
Encourage accountability, teamwork and consistent follow-up of prospective customers.
Identify skills and development needs within the sales function and liaise with the HR Officer regarding relevant training interventions.
Promote a customer-focused and results-driven culture within the sales function.
f) Reporting, Analysis and Business Administration (5%)
Prepare monthly business development, sales and marketing performance reports for the Managing Director.
Maintain accurate records of prospective clients, leads, quotations, tenders, proposals, sales activities and converted business.
Monitor and report on key business development indicators, including leads generated, quotations submitted, conversion rates, new clients acquired, repeat business and revenue generated.
Analyse sales and customer information to identify trends, opportunities and areas requiring improvement.
Provide regular updates to the Managing Director on market developments, competitor activity and potential business opportunities.
Assist with annual business planning and the development of business growth targets.
Maintain organised and up-to-date business development and customer documentation.
Ensure that business development activities are conducted professionally and in accordance with company policies and procedures.
CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
Strong business development and business growth capabilities.
Proven ability to identify, pursue and convert new business opportunities.
Strong sales, negotiation and client acquisition skills.
Excellent customer relationship management and interpersonal skills.
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of revenue generation.
Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with decision-makers and key stakeholders.
Strong networking and presentation skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong proposal, quotation and tender-writing capabilities.
Good understanding of marketing principles and digital marketing platforms.
Ability to conduct market research and analyse customer and competitor information.
Strong organisational, planning and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and take initiative in identifying business opportunities.
Results-oriented approach with a strong focus on achieving measurable growth.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
Ability to use digital platforms and social media for business development and marketing purposes.
Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
High level of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality and accountability.
Adaptability and willingness to work in a growing and evolving business environment.
a) Core Values Expected:
Professionalism – Upholding the highest standards of conduct and ethics.
Accountability – Taking ownership and being result-oriented.
Teamwork – Promoting a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Efficiency – Striving for streamlined organized and productive operations.
Confidentiality – Respecting the sensitivity of company and employee information.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE a) Education:
A Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Administration, Sales and Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Communications and Public Relations, Commerce, Business Development or related field.
A qualification in Fashion, Clothing, Textiles or a related industry will be an added advantage.
b) Experience:
Minimum 3–5 years of proven experience in business development, sales, marketing, client relationship management, account management or a related commercial role.
Demonstrated experience in acquiring new clients and developing existing customer relationships.
Experience in preparing quotations, proposals, tenders or business presentations.
Experience in working towards and achieving sales or revenue targets.
Experience in the garment, fashion, textile, promotional products, manufacturing, retail, corporate services or related industry will be an added advantage.
Experience in working with corporate, government, institutional or NGO clients will be advantageous.
c) Additional Requirements: Applicants must:
Be willing to travel locally for client visits and business development activities.
Be able to work occasional extended hours to meet production deadlines when required.
DECLARATION It is hereby acknowledged that this job description is a broad indication of the work the incumbent is required to perform. The incumbent may be required to undertake other duties that can reasonably be expected of him or her, particularly when other employees are absent from work. No job title or job description can be regarded as a precise specification of duties but should instead be viewed as a guide to the position’s main responsibilities.