Business Development Manager at Sanku

Business Development Manager

Employer: Sanku

Employment: Full-Time | Contract

Place of Work: Addis Ababa - Ethiopia

Posted date: 3 days ago

Deadline: March, 15/2025 (5 days left)

The role holder is responsible for recruiting, developing, and managing a portfolio of millers within an assigned territory/region. The key focus of the role is on communicating and gaining a commitment to the Sanku mission of ensuring that all flour sold in Ethiopia is fortified and, subsequently, on ensuring that all Sanku mission millers in their portfolio comply with the government’s fortification mandate. The BDM will ensure that the Sanku dosifier is functioning normally and that the miller purchases a sufficient quantity of premix to fortify all flour produced in the mill. The BDM will also carry out periodic training for millers and their staff in the correct use of the dosifier.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Initially, manage the portfolio of assigned Sanku “pilot” millers ensuring that progress on the objectives set for this initial launch phase are closely monitored and achieved with any issues being promptly escalated to the Regional Director for resolution.
• Post-pilot, identify and prospect new millers who are aligned with the Sanku mission and develop, maintain, and grow relationships with all customers in the portfolio.
• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to achieve assigned sales targets and expand the customer base.
• Conduct training sessions for millers to increase fortification awareness and fortification compliance.
• Work closely with the Regional Director and Government Relations & Partnerships Manager to execute Sanku partnership strategies.
• Coordinate with the local Supply Chain and Logistics team to ensure the timely delivery of premix to customers.
• Maintain a deep understanding of our mission, products, services and business model and communicate it properly to stakeholders.
• Conduct routine interviews with millers, conduct surveys, and collect data continuously to help provide clear market intelligence on industry trends.
• Provide exceptional customer service to millers, including technical support on the dosifier and timely resolution of reported dosifier operating issues.
• Engage with local authorities and other relevant government agencies in the territory/region to ensure that Sanku Ethiopia is best positioned to achieve maximum impact/performance.
• Analyze sales data to identify trends and opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Track and report on sales performance, market conditions, and competitor activities
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the line manager from time to time.

Competencies Required

• Ability to prepare territory business plans to identify prospects, opportunities, and gaps by specific region, industry, and market segment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a flair for customer relationship management. Able to work closely with millers to ensure compliance is happening and sales targets are being met.
• Ability to translate functional strategy into targets and tactical plans and execution in a controlled risk and reward-based manner.
• Ability to interpret and make effective management decisions using benchmarking, trends, and other planning and forecasting methods; develop and implement improvements to the planning processes.
• Ability to work with stakeholders to develop and drive potential efficiency improvements and the ability to understand the differing needs of stakeholders and adapt service offerings accordingly.
• Highly computer literate with a proficient working knowledge of Google and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Amharic.A demonstrated passion for the Sanku Fortification Ethiopia PLC.

Educational Qualifications and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or any related field.
• 3+ years of relevant commercial experience in business development and/or sales, ideally in the food, agricultural, or fortification industries or relevant B2B sectors.
• Experience managing sales/setting sales strategies, including in rural and peri-urban markets.
• Demonstrated CRM experience.
• Ability to travel extensively within Ethiopia.
• Ability to drive a standard transmission vehicle.