About the position
The Research and Consulting Solutions division has a vacant position of a Business Manager. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to play a critical role in managing consulting and research activities, generating new business and contributing to strategic marketing efforts that are aligned with company objectives.
Responsibilities
- As a Business Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing a business portfolio with an annual revenue target exceeding R35 million, ensuring consistent growth that is aligned with inflationary trends.
- The primary focus areas for revenue generation will include the domains of Water, Environment, and Agriculture, with potential emphasis on specialized sectors such as Climate Change, Bio-security, and Data Science. Revenue will be generated through applied contract research and consulting services. This requires a strong ability to conceptualize and develop tailored business solutions that address specific client needs. These solutions are typically secured through tender submissions, requests for quotations, and unsolicited proposals, often initiated through direct client engagements and presentations.
- In developing proposals, you will collaborate with subject matter experts who will contribute technical content. Your responsibilities will include applying sound costing and budgeting principles, validating methodological approaches, and ensuring the overall quality and professionalism of all submission documents. Upon successful award of proposals, you will assume full responsibility for project execution.
- This includes deal negotiation, contract management, financial oversight, and maintaining strong client relationships.
- You will report directly to the Executive Manager: Research and Consulting and will lead a small team of 3-4 staff members, including business developers and administrative personnel. Additionally, you will have access to organizational support functions such as Marketing, Finance, IT, and Human Resources to aid in the successful delivery of your portfolio objectives.
Minimum Requirements:
- A tertiary qualification of at least 3 years in duration/ Degree, preferably in the areas of Business Management/ Commerce/ Marketing and a postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA, MSc, MEng, or similar) (NQF 9).
- Additional certifications in project management and/or contract management, will be advantageous.
- 8-10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in a senior business development/ portfolio management or consulting role.
- Demonstrated success in generating revenue through contract research, consulting, and proposal development, ideally in sectors such as Water, Environment, Agriculture, Climate Change, Bio-security, or Data Science.
- Proven experience in developing customized business solutions, including responding to tenders, RFQs, and unsolicited proposals.
- Strong track record in project execution, including contract negotiation, financial administration, and client relationship management.
- Experience working with technical experts to shape and validate proposals and methodologies.
- Team leadership and experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams.
Desired Skills:
- Business Management
- Research
- Training & Development
- Contract Management
- Tender
- Proposal Writing
- business solutions
- Contracts
- Project Management
