The Business Development Manager is responsible for developing and executing sales strategies to drive revenue growth and identifying new business opportunities in the Water Care business. The individual is expected to foster and maintain strong relationships with customers, distributors, principal suppliers, and other stakeholders, domestically and internationally. The individual must possess a strong background in the water and wastewater treatment sectors (industrial, mining and municipal), demonstrate strategic thinking, and have a proven track record in managing product lifecycles from pre-launch to discontinuation. The role will also be expected to provide some level of technical support to customers and sales teams and ensures effective dissemination of product information. The Business Development Manager will also be responsible for identifying and offering value-added services beyond products to customers in order to create value and success for them.ResponsibilitiesProduct Strategy and DevelopmentMonitoring global market trends to inform strategic product and marketing decision-making.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and refine product strategies aligned with business objectives.Drive solution offerings and new product development initiatives, from concept to launch, ensuring adherence to quality and regulatory standards (NPI - New Product Implementation).Oversee existing product development (EPD), managing stock forecasting for a broad range of principals and SKUs.Prepare product costing, including shipping details, and share comprehensive pricing with the commercial team.Support Procurement and Sourcing teams with negotiation with suppliers to secure favourable terms and pricing.Market PositioningDevelop an in-depth understanding of customer needs and market trends to strategically position products.Conduct competitive analysis to identify key differentiators and establish a competitive advantage based on the specific product.Collaborate with marketing teams to create compelling messaging and positioning for the Protea Chemicals Water Care product offering.Engage in marketing activities with local industry bodies, including sales and marketing efforts, editorials, and advertorials.Negotiate with customers, distributors, and stakeholders to secure favourable terms and pricing.Identify growth products, solution offerings and territories, and develop plans to explore the opportunities to realise sales.Employ the explore and exploit strategy for the growth targets for the business.Lifecycle ManagementTake ownership of the entire product lifecycle, managing products from introduction to end-of-life.Monitor product performance and customer feedback, utilising data-driven insights to enhance product offerings.Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and innovation in sales and marketing of the Water Care offerings.Cross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate seamlessly with sales, marketing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure alignment and effective communication.Provide training and support to sales teams, enhancing their product knowledge and driving successful sales strategies.Function as a liaison between different departments, facilitating smooth product development and launches.Identify opportunities for customers, resellers and end-users.Key Account ManagementManage a portfolio of key customers to facilitate the growth of the product basket.Enhance the customer relationship to ensure long-term partnerships.Develop customer account plans to identify new opportunities and present them to the business.Build partnerships with key customers to ensure the long-term viability of the relationship.Communicate goals, strategies, and updates to internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders in order to offer value-added services to key accounts.Resolve production, distribution, and marketing issues related to Water Care products.ComplianceStay updated on local and international regulatory requirements related to products.Participate in industry associations applicable to the product portfolio.Collaborate with the quality team to ensure compliance with industry regulations, quality standards, and safety requirements for water treatment products both locally and globally.QualificationsUniversity (First degree), i.e. Bachelor of Science in Water Care / Chemical Engineering or related studies.Experience5 – 7 years, preferably in sales, marketing and key account management in Water Care/water treatment.
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