AI Summary
OBT Group seeks a Business Development Manager to drive growth in the bulk and commodities shipping environment. This role involves identifying new opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and expanding market presence across Africa. The successful candidate will leverage market intelligence and customer insights to grow revenue and strengthen client relationships.
Key Highlights
Drive OBT's growth through new business opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Expand market presence and strengthen client relationships across Africa.
Translate market trends into actionable strategies for sustainable growth in bulk and commodities shipping.
Technical Skills Required
Benefits & Perks
Work with a well-established pan-African maritime and logistics company.
Provision of work tools (laptop, mobile phone).
Challenging and rewarding role with exposure to diverse logistics sectors.
Relocation package available.
Exposure to diverse projects across maritime, oil & gas, heavy-lift, warehousing, and supply-chain sectors.
Collaboration with an experienced international team.
Strong opportunities for career development and internal growth.
Job Description
Job Description
With over two decades of experience, our team at OBT offers a long-standing tradition of shipping and logistics expertise, along with strong connections to a network of leading ship owners, operators, and local logistics specialists.
As Business Development Manager, you will drive OBT’s growth by identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding market presence across key regions. Reporting to Country Management, you will use market intelligence and customer insights to build a strong pipeline, grow revenue, and strengthen client relationships. Working closely with Commercial, Operations, and Management teams across Africa offices and HQ, as well as brokers and partners, you will translate market trends into actionable strategies that support sustainable growth and long-term profitability in the bulk and commodities shipping environment.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field; master’s degree or relevant business development or sales certifications are an advantage
- Minimum 4 years’ experience in business development, sales, or related commercial roles, with a proven track record of revenue growth
- Established network and strong familiarity with key market players, customers, and industry stakeholders
- Solid understanding of industry dynamics, market trends, and competitive landscapes
- Strong knowledge of sales and business development methodologies and pipeline management
- Proficiency in CRM systems, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Fluency in English and French is required
- Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and persuasion skills
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and develop long-term growth opportunities
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and support data-driven decision-making
- Client-focused approach with a strong commitment to service quality and relationship management
- Proven ability to collaborate across functions and contribute effectively within a results-driven team environment
- Conduct market and opportunity analysis using market data, customer insights, and industry developments to identify emerging trends, growth areas, and new revenue opportunities.
- Analyze competitor activity and market movements to support strategic positioning and business development decision-making.
- Establish target customer lists and prioritize opportunities based on market potential, customer needs, and profitability windows.
- Develop and manage a structured business development pipeline, owning the full sales cycle from lead generation to negotiation and contract closure.
- Build, manage, and grow long-term relationships with key clients, positioning OBT as a trusted commercial partner.
- Maintain regular engagement with customers to ensure satisfaction, identify expansion opportunities, and drive retention growth.
- Collaborate with Country Management to define and execute business development strategies aligned with company objectives.
- Provide regular market, opportunity, and pipeline updates to internal stakeholders across Africa offices and HQ.
- Arrange and attend meetings with OBT management, internal stakeholders, brokers, and target customers to progress commercial opportunities.
- Work closely with Operations, Finance, and Commercial teams to align customer expectations, service delivery, and profitability goals.
- Identify cross-selling and up-selling opportunities within existing accounts to increase revenue and customer share.
- Represent OBT at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to strengthen brand visibility and market presence.
- Share market intelligence, customer feedback, and performance insights to support service improvements and strategic initiatives.
- Monitor business development KPIs and report progress, risks, and results to Country Management on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers to identify market movements and customer opportunities.
- Develop relationships with charterers and commodity traders, including niche and smaller commodity segments, to expand OBT’s market reach.
- Opportunity to work with a well-established pan-African maritime and logistics company with a strong regional footprint.
- Provision of work tools, including laptop and mobile phone.
- Challenging and rewarding role with exposure across shipping, supply chain, freight forwarding, and project logistics.
- Relocation package available, where applicable.
- Exposure to diverse projects across maritime, oil & gas, heavy-lift, warehousing, and supply-chain sectors.
- Collaboration with an experienced international team and strong opportunities for career development and internal growth within OBT.