Business Development Manager at Avela

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth by identifying, engaging, and converting potential customers into paying clients. The post holders achieve this by understanding customer needs, presenting tailored solutions, and building long-term relationships that foster loyalty and repeat business.

Contact & Reporting

Reporting to:Business Director

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and research prospective corporate and individual members, partners, and sponsors
• Work with the new business team to generate qualified leads through outbound outreach (calls, emails, networking, social media)
• Maintain and update the CRM database with accurate lead and opportunity data
• Assess identified leads for their suitability by evaluating factors like budget, need, and decision-making authority
• Engage with potential clients to understand their needs and demonstrate how Avela offers solutions
• Act as the first point of contact and manage opportunities to progress them to close
• Tailor presentations and demonstrations to showcase how Avela can address specific needs and challenges
• Engage in negotiations to agree on terms that are mutually beneficial, aiming to close sales and secure commitments

Key Deliverables

• Meet or exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual sales quotas
• Generate revenue as per expectations
• Growth in the sales pipeline
• Identify and close new business opportunities for growth
• Identify potential clients through cold calling, networking, or referrals & develop and maintain a pipeline of qualified leads
• Provide timely and effective solutions to customer needs
• Clearly communicate benefits and features to potential customers
• Maintain accurate records of sales activities, client interactions, and deal status in CRM systems
• Prepare sales reports, forecasts, and market analysis for management
• Work closely with marketing, customer service, and product teams
• Flexibility to adjust responsibilities as required from time to time by management
• Continually look at ways to make improvements to systems, processes and procedures
• Strive to live the Avela's values and support our purpose

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, commerce, economics, sales or marketing related field
• Professional certifications (e.g., in sales, negotiation, or leadership) are advantageous

Experience

• 5+ years' experience working in financial services industry by selling credit solutions to enterprises and individuals
• Demonstrable experience in a business development or sales role, preferably in a B2B environment
• Proven track record of generating and nurturing leads, closing deals, and growing revenue
• Able to use Microsoft packages including Outlook, Word, Excel & PowerPoint and Salesforce/Zoho/Hubspot as a CRM

Competencies & Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Strong presentation and persuasion abilities
• Ability to close deals and negotiate favorable terms
• Focused on meeting customer needs and building trust
• Hands-on experience with lead generation and developing a consistent pipeline of prospective clients
• Proactive, adept at identifying growth opportunities
• The ability to build relationships, and create value for both the company and its clients
• Ability to forecast future revenue based on pipeline activity
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building relationships with senior client stakeholders
• Strong drive to achieve targets and exceed expectations
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Works well within a team and contributes to group goals
• Excellent persuasion skills to overcome objections and gain client trust
• Ability to identify client needs and propose tailored solutions
• Experience with CRM systems (Salesforce, Zoho) to manage and track the sales pipeline

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the IT / membership and professional bodies / learning and development products and organizations
• CRM & Sales Technology Proficiency - Strong working knowledge of sales tools and CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho, HubSpot)

Special Conditions

• This role may include some Inter-County / East Africa travel
• This role may be required to work outside of office hours/weekends to attend social or networking events or conferences