Job Description

• REPORTS TO:         CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JOB PURPOSE

• To conceptualize, develop, implement and evaluate long-term strategic growth plans and business initiatives to maximize profit, shareholders value and improve on the growth of the organization. Scope of work includes providing technical advice in research, identification and formulation of business opportunities, initiatives and partnerships for the development of viable services/products for implementation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development Strategy & Policy 

• Provide technical expertise in the development and implementation of strategy/business plan for the Business Development Department as input into the overall Corporate Strategy of the company.  
• Provide leadership in the development of policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work plan and other support systems including monitoring mechanisms in managing the Business Development Department to achieve targeted objectives. 
• Liaise with Management and/or Board to develop and implement strategy for new business development, marketing and communication that is appropriate to the current needs of the company and take advantage of opportunities available.
• Responsible for communicating, integrating and monitoring the implementation of approved business strategy and plan to all the company’s staff.
• Lead in the implementation of comprehensive strategy and tactical plan for business development, income generation and awareness-creation for the company.
• Participate and provide technical expertise in the overall process of Management and Corporate decision-making to ensure the Company maximizes its short, medium and long-term profitability and shareholder returns.
• Market & Business Analysis
• Provide strategic direction in the management of the company’s marketing and sales functions in pursuance of the company’s business objectives. 
• Spearhead the marketing effort/functions of the company to maintain a visible and active presence in the local and international market to enhance new business acquisition whilst supporting existing relationships.
• Develop comprehensive sales and marketing strategies and plan, including pricing models to meet the company’s targeted objectives and overall business plan.
• Direct research activities on existing markets and competitors to identify strength, weakness, opportunities and threats for the company and develop measures to minimize the impact of threats and take advantage of the identified opportunities to maximize market share and profit.
• Provide leadership and direction in researching on the changing needs and expectations of customers/clients (existing and prospective) to inform the development of new products, services and projects for the company’s business operations.
• Lead/direct and provide technical expertise in the development of marketing campaigns for new products and services and monitor its implementation to ensure compliance with approved strategies and policies.

Business Development Initiatives

• Provide leadership and technical expertise in the conception and formulation of new business ideas into saleable projects and identify potential investors and partners for off-taker agreements in line with the companies’ long-term vision and business strategy. 
• Review, analyze and evaluate approved business strategies and plan for new business initiatives and provide detailed financial models to examine value of income generating business model ideas in line with the company’s overall strategic plan.
• Stay abreast with current government policy interventions on emerging bi-lateral and multi-lateral economic and social development initiatives as well advise Management on potential business opportunities.
• Lead the Business Development Team in sourcing, managing and implementing new business opportunities as well as initiatives in line with the company’s overall business strategy.
• Provide leadership in the development of business proposals and major bids in line with required specifications (technical, regulatory, etc.), service and project management standards.
• Review and analyze the operating business lines of the companies and government’s development agenda regarding private sector participation or initiative and initiate action to position the company for business opportunities.
• Provide technical expertise and advice to Managerial Board on the company’s business operations and other interventions to expand operations to become more competitive and viable.
• Develop innovative ideas and approaches to improve the company’s business and service delivery.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Liaise with the operations departments to ensure that on-going services rendered conform to the approved business initiatives, cost-effective, of high quality and meet the needs of targeted group/clients as well as the strategic focus of The Company.
• Monitor potential new business opportunities and decide on which opportunities to pursue in close collaboration with all stakeholders and identify avenues for project financing.

Stakeholder Relations & Management 

• Establish and maintain professional relationships and liaise closely with policy makers, government officials, MDAs and other business executives to explore business opportunities and advise Management and Board as appropriate.
• Facilitate the development of strategic partnerships with potential business investors (local and international) for the company businesses.
• Network and work with key stakeholders and other organizations (NGOs, private companies, and government) to generate ideas, create partnerships and implement business models.

Financial & Audit Management

• Responsible for the preparation of the annual budget for the Business Development Department and monitor its implementation to ensure compliance.
• Participate in the negotiations for the award of contract to suppliers, consultants and contractors.
• Certify and recommend for payment invoices, claims, receipts etc. 
• Coordinate all internal and external audit programs at the Department and follow-up to ensure that audit queries are handled expeditiously.

Information & Reporting

• Stay abreast with business-related legislations, rules and regulations in Ghana and countries of potential business partners and advise Management as appropriate. 
• Responsible for the development of comprehensive database to track and provide information on all projects and other business initiatives undertaken by the company.
• Keep Chief Executive Officer and Board informed of potential business initiatives and emerging trends and best practices in project financing and management. 
• Responsible for the preparation of monthly sales report for Management’s perusal.
• Responsible for the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual business development report(s) to Management, Board and other relevant stakeholders to aid in decision making. 

Employee Performance & Development

• Maintain a professional staff with sufficient knowledge, skills, experience and professional certification. 
• Hold direct reports accountable for managing their assignments to ensure the department’s goals are achieved.
• Conduct performance appraisal and provide input for career development and recommend performance incentives for subordinate staff.
• Identify training needs and facilitate training for subordinate staff.

Required Skills or Experience

• Master’s degree in Strategic Management, Project Management, Entrepreneurship, Economics or related field.
• Must be a member of a recognized professional body.
• At least fifteen (15) years relevant post qualification experience in assigned field with at least eight (8) years in senior management role.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Thorough understanding of business strategic development.
• Excellent knowledge of strategic business planning methodologies, tools and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate, package and sell business initiatives and clinch deals.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the business environments of Ghana and other foreign countries of importance to the Group.
• Strong entrepreneurial drive, passion and ability to help shape the Group’s marketing strategy.
• Considerable knowledge of Ghana’s Trade Policy, GIPC regulations and other regulatory bodies and agencies. 
• Ability to fluently speak and write multiple foreign languages.
• Proven and demonstrable ability to develop fresh approaches and innovations as appropriate. 
• Proven ability to set clear priorities between competing demands for resources and manage own tasks and priorities effectively. 
• High ability to review and analyze budgets and financial reports to identify implications in the implementation and management of business initiatives. 
• International exposure and experience within a fast paced environment. 
• Excellent Leadership, managerial, coaching, mentoring and interpersonal skills in a team setting.
• High ability to build strong professional relationships relevant to the development of business potential and partnerships.
• Strong research, quantitative and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and report writing skills.
• Strong negotiation, networking and conflict management skills.
• High level of maturity and ability to inspire confidence and motivate staff to be result-oriented.
• Good knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office, Internet and other research software.