About Shega

Shega is on a mission of elevating decision-making in Africa, starting with Ethiopia, through a data & Intelligence platform that aggregates and contextualizes information, along with a Media & Audience Ecosystem offering high-quality media and analysis driven content. We also provide Insights & Advisory, merging market intelligence with local expertise for strategic growth and social impact, and Agency Services to help brands and organizations connect with our expanding audience. By combining intelligence, an audience ecosystem, and tailored advisory, Shega partners local and international private and development actors to catalyze innovation and informed growth.

Position Summary

The Business Development Manager will have a pivotal role focused on driving the Shega's growth through strategic planning, market expansion, partnerships, and customer acquisition. This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities. This role is ideal for someone who is goal driven, strategic, data-driven, and adept at building relationships with development partners, private/corporate companies, NGOs etc. This individual will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including Product, Marketing, and Advisory—to identify new market opportunities, cultivate relationships with clients and partners, and craft long-term growth strategies. It offers the opportunity to greatly impact Shega’s growth and market presence.

Primary Responsibilities:

Partnership & Client Acquisition

• Design and execute client acquisition campaigns using various channels such as digital marketing, events, and partnerships.

• Identify, prospect, cultivate and secure new business opportunities and manage strategic partnerships across sectors (e.g., Corporate, NGOs and Development Partners).

• Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders aligning with Shega’s value proposition.

• Develop and implement strategies to drive revenue growth, including pricing models, sales incentives, and channel partnerships.

• Identify customer needs and new business opportunities, build relationships with potential clients, develop proposals, pricing, terms, negotiate and follow up opportunities and close deals.

Revenue Growth and Pipeline Management

• Strong understanding of Shega's products or services as well as business position and competition to keep business competitive.

• Develop and manage a robust sales pipeline, setting and meeting quarterly and annual targets. Negotiate contracts and commercial terms, ensuring mutual value for Shega and its partners.

• Develop a growth roadmap that outlines short-term and long-term objectives, key milestones, and actionable steps to achieve business goals.

• Implement customer retention programs, personalized communication, and customer feedback loops to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Gather data from various sources, and analyze to generate actionable insights, identify market trends, and uncover growth opportunities.

• Define and track KPIs to measure the effectiveness of business development activities. Prepare regular reports, highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations.

Sales Strategy and Internal Collaborations

• Work with senior leadership to define go-to-market strategies that leverage Shega’s Data & Intelligence Platform, Media Ecosystem, and Services.

• In-depth knowledge of the industry in which the Shega operates, including trends, challenges, and opportunities.

• Research prospective accounts in target markets, pursue leads and move them through the sales cycle, and develop quotes and proposals for prospective clients.

• Promote Shega’s products/services addressing or predicting clients’ objectives. Prepare sales contracts ensuring adherence to law-established rules and guidelines.

• Attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to build relationships with potential clients and partners.

• Collaborate with Product teams to align offerings with client needs, to guide development and enhancements, and to prioritize features that support growth objectives.

• Coordinate with Insights & Advisory Media and Agency Services, teams to create integrated solutions for clients and contents, and to ensure growth strategies are aligned with marketing campaigns.

Client Relationship and Management

• Engage with clients regularly to understand their needs, address concerns, and identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling.

• Nurture key client and partner relationships, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty, and acquire new customers and manage existing client relationships effectively.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing clients, ensuring their business needs are met and fostering long-term partnerships.

• Regularly review and report on business development activities, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Brand and Thought Leadership

• Represent Shega at conferences, events, and webinars, showcasing our impact and innovation, as well as contributing to thought leadership contents that underscores Shega’s role.

Team Leadership

• Lead project and commercial teams by fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Mentor team members, conduct performance evaluations, and create a positive, creative work environment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Commercial and financial acumen - understanding of commercial activities, including scaling, expansion, business development, revenue generation, financial targets, and budgeting.

• Ability to develop and manage profitable partnerships with key stakeholders.

• Ability to develop and implement long-term growth strategies that align with Shega’s vision.

• Use data to inform decisions, measure the success of growth initiatives, and adjust as needed.

• Strong understanding of customer needs and the ability to enhance the customer experience.

• Strong proposal writing abilities, communication and presentation skills,

• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, clients, and partners.

• Ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions, business needs, and customer preferences.

• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills

• Goal driven and adept with building relationships.

Education and Work Experience

• A degree in business, marketing, or a related field is preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field with a proven track record of driving growth initiatives, and experience as a business development manager.

• Strong understanding of market dynamics, business strategy, and client management.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret market data and make informed decisions.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a focus on building long-term partnerships.

• Ability to develop and execute business strategies that align with company goals.

• Experience in developing strategic partnerships and alliances.

• Familiarity with industry-specific tools and platforms, CRM software, market analysis tools, and business development platforms.