About the Role
Guildhall is running a search for a fast-growing, digital telecom platform that is building out its enterprise and channel business across Africa. You will own partner acquisition and full-cycle deal closing across corporate travel, enterprise, and reseller channels for the continent, reporting to the regional Partnerships Director. The company has just launched a corporate data offering and is racing to build channel partnerships across Africa ahead of regional competitors. It is a solo, continent-wide mandate — the first dedicated business development seat in this market.
The role
- Own partner acquisition and the full sales cycle across Africa's corporate and enterprise channels
- Build a segmented, CRM-driven pipeline against quarterly and annual revenue OKRs
- Close complex, multi-stakeholder deals directly with C-suite decision-makers
- Lead partner onboarding and integration once deals are signed
- Report directly to the regional Partnerships Director
What you'll bring
- 7+ years in enterprise or channel B2B/B2B2C sales, ideally travel, telecom or digital marketplaces
- Proven record closing complex deals with C-suite and multi-stakeholder teams
- Skilled in consultative sales frameworks such as SPIN, Challenger, or value-based selling
- Comfortable mapping territories and running a CRM-driven, OKR-focused pipeline
- Fluent English, written and spoken, for meetings and async work
- Willing to travel across Africa for partner meetings and conferences
What's on offer
- A solo, continent-wide mandate as the first dedicated business development hire in this market
- Direct reporting line to the regional Partnerships Director
- Full ownership of a new B2B2C revenue channel from its launch stage
- Remote role based in South Africa, working within a fully distributed global team
Why apply through Guildhall
- Boutique executive search firm in Dubai, established 2010
- 8x independent industry awards since 2020
- 4.9-star Google rating from 250+ reviews
- Direct access to the retained consultant running this search, through a confidential process
Hiring a Business Development Manager in Africa
A Business Development Manager covering Africa in a B2B2C or platform business typically owns full-lifecycle sales: territory mapping, pipeline build, deal negotiation, and partner onboarding. These roles usually report to a regional partnerships or commercial director and sit at the front line of a company's push from direct-to-consumer revenue into enterprise and channel partnerships. Africa is often the newest region opened by global travel-tech and digital marketplace platforms, which makes early hires here unusually broad in scope, often solo, and directly tied to the company's regional growth targets.
Common questions
What does a Business Development Manager do in Africa?
A Business Development Manager in this market owns partner acquisition and the full sales cycle, from prospecting through negotiation to onboarding. They typically build B2B or B2B2C revenue channels through corporate, enterprise, and reseller partnerships. The role usually reports to a regional commercial or partnerships leader and carries direct revenue targets.
What experience do I need to apply?
Employers typically look for 7 or more years in enterprise or channel B2B/B2B2C sales, ideally in travel, telecom, or digital marketplace businesses. A track record closing complex, multi-stakeholder deals with C-suite executives is expected, along with familiarity with consultative sales frameworks such as SPIN or Challenger. Fluent English and willingness to travel across the region are standard requirements.
How do I apply?
Apply directly on this page. A Guildhall consultant reviews every application confidentially and will contact suitable candidates directly.
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The Agency Behind This Role
This search is managed by Guildhall — an 8× award-winning executive search and recruitment agency, rated 4.9★ across 250+ Google reviews, recruiting in Remote in South Africa and across the GCC.