Business Development Manager

A Business Development Manager with 7–15 years of experience is a senior commercial professional responsible for identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, increasing revenue, expanding market presence, and managing key client relationships. The role combines market analysis, sales strategy, relationship management, proposal development, negotiation, and business growth.

• Develop and implement the organization's business development and growth strategy.

• Identify new markets, clients, products, services, and revenue opportunities.

• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and industry assessments to identify growth opportunities.

• Develop and maintain a strong sales pipeline and business opportunity database.

• Generate leads through networking, market research, referrals, industry events, and strategic outreach.

• Build and maintain relationships with key clients, corporate customers, government institutions, NGOs, investors, suppliers, and strategic partners.

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships, alliances, joint ventures, and other business relationships.

• Prepare and deliver business proposals, capability statements, presentations, expressions of interest (EOIs), and tenders.

• Lead or support the preparation of RFP/RFQ/tender responses and commercial proposals.

• Develop pricing strategies and participate in commercial negotiations.

• Negotiate contracts, terms, pricing, and partnership agreements while protecting organizational interests.

• Manage the entire business development cycle from lead generation through negotiation, contract award, and handover to operations.

• Maintain accurate records of prospects, opportunities, proposals, contracts, and sales activities.

• Identify business risks and recommend strategies to mitigate them.

• Mentor and supervise Business Development Officers, Sales Executives, and other commercial staff.

• Establish and maintain effective CRM and sales-management systems.

• Ensure business development activities comply with organizational policies, ethical standards, and applicable laws.

At this level, the Business Development Manager is expected to:

• Set and achieve sales and revenue targets.

• Develop annual and quarterly business development plans.

• Manage sales pipelines and conversion rates.

• Track key performance indicators such as revenue growth, new clients, customer retention, win rate, and profit margins.

• Prepare sales forecasts and identify potential gaps.

• Develop strategies to convert high-value opportunities into contracts.

• Build a sustainable portfolio of repeat and long-term clients.

For organizations working with governments, NGOs, donors, or large corporations, the role may include:

• Monitoring tender portals and procurement opportunities.

• Reviewing RFPs, RFQs, EOIs, and tenders.

• Conducting bid/no-bid assessments.

• Coordinating technical and financial proposal development.

• Preparing capability statements and company profiles.

• Coordinating inputs from technical, finance, legal, and operations teams.

• Reviewing commercial pricing and proposal compliance.

• Submitting proposals within deadlines.

• Maintaining a database of previous proposals and lessons learned.

• Identify potential strategic partners and investors.

• Conduct partnership due diligence.

• Develop partnership proposals and agreements.

• Negotiate terms and responsibilities.

• Manage relationships with strategic partners.

• Identify opportunities for joint ventures, consortiums, subcontracting, and strategic alliances.

• Monitor partnership performance and ensure agreed objectives are achieved.