About the position
Our client helps innovation-driven businesses unlock R&D tax credits, grants, and incentives across South Africa, the UK, Germany, Australia, and beyond. They work with technology, engineering, manufacturing, life sciences, and financial services companies to turn complex regulation into tangible financial benefits.
They're seeking a Deal Maker for their R&D Incentive Team to accelerate growth by winning new clients, building relationships with senior decision-makers, and driving revenue across multiple markets.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Client Engagement
- Proactively research target clients and opportunities globally, identifying and targeting companies undertaking innovation and R&D projects in priority sectors (tech, biotech, engineering, financial services, manufacturing).
- Undertake outbound sales and business development campaigns through proactively approaching CFOs, CTOs, Heads of Innovation, and R&D Managers with compelling propositions.
- Generate leads and build strong, trust-based relationships with senior executives, positioning us as their partner for R&D incentives.
- Deliver tailored presentations and case studies to demonstrate value.
- Building the brand through representing us at innovation, tech, and R&D industry conferences.
Sales & Deal Closure
- Manage your own sales cycle, from prospecting through to closing.
- Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospects and opportunities, ensuring consistent sales growth.
- Collaborate with technical specialists (engineers, tax professionals, accountants) to shape robust proposals, price negotiations, and RFPs.
- Ensure smooth handover of closed deals to delivery teams while maintaining ongoing client relationship oversight.
- Manage and report on pipeline, targets, and forecasts.
Market Expansion & Strategic Partnerships
- Map innovation-heavy clusters to identify target clients.
- Develop strategic alliances with law firms, accountants, VC funds, incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs to foster business growth.
- Stay on top of global R&D tax policy/regulation changes and translate these into market opportunities.
What We're Looking For
- Strong academic background - Degree in Finance, Accounting; advanced qualifications (CA(SA), CFA, MBA) are advantageous.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
- Confidence and credibility engaging C-suite executives, Heads of Finance, and technical leaders.
- Commercial acumen with the ability to quantify and communicate the financial benefits of incentives.
- Resilient, entrepreneurial, and driven to exceed targets.
- Proven business development/sales experience in professional services, financial incentives, tax, consulting, or SaaS (advantageous).
Desired Skills:
- Sales
- Strong academics
- SaaS
- Consulting
- business development
- Communication
- negotiation
- R&D
