Job Description

The Business Development Lead is pivotal in driving African Towers’ growth across the tower infrastructure and in-building solutions (IBS) sectors, as well as supporting other revenue-generating projects. Working closely with the Head of Commercial and Marketing and the company’s Directors, the Business Development Lead will lead efforts in site acquisition, regulatory permitting, stakeholder engagement, and client relationship management.

The role demands strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the telecommunications and infrastructure regulatory landscape.

1. Site Acquisition, Permitting, and Regulatory Compliance

• Engage Landlords and Building Managers: Initiate contact with property owners and building management to secure physical space for solution deployments, negotiate lease terms, and establish access agreements.
• Regulatory & Permit Management: Lead the acquisition of all necessary permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals (e.g., town planning, environmental, civil aviation, and GAEC requirements) for new and existing sites.
• Stakeholder Engagement with Authorities: Liaise with municipal assemblies, regulatory agencies, and statutory bodies to ensure compliance with all site-related legal and technical requirements.
• Site Survey Coordination: Collaborate with the Project Team to conduct feasibility assessments, validate technical requirements, and ensure site readiness for deployment.
• Post-Acquisition & Compliance Monitoring: Maintain strong relationships with property owners, regulators, and local authorities to ensure continued compliance and smooth project implementation.
• Marketing to MNOs: Promote both acquired and prospective sites to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), presenting them as optimal connectivity solutions.

2. Telco Account Management and Relationship Building

• Serve as the primary liaison for MNOs (e.g., AirtelTigo, Vodafone) to foster collaboration and timely project execution.
• Oversee contractual documentation and execution for each site, ensuring adherence to agreed terms and regulatory obligations.
• Coordinate with the Finance Department for timely processing of purchase orders and billing.
• Provide regular reporting to Directors on acquisition status, permitting progress, and account developments.

3. Business Development and Sales Initiatives

• Conduct market research to identify potential sites, partners, and market gaps in the telecom infrastructure sector.
• Initiate outreach campaigns to prospective clients and partners through calls, emails, and meetings.
• Prepare and deliver high-impact presentations to secure partnerships and new revenue streams.
• Maintain and grow existing client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and long-term business retention.

4. Strategic Marketing and Brand Promotion

• Represent African Towers at industry events, regulatory forums, and stakeholder engagements, acting as an ambassador for the brand.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to strengthen African Towers’ positioning as a leader in compliant, high-quality infrastructure solutions.

5. Proposal, Negotiation, and Contract Management

• Prepare detailed proposals and commercial offers in line with company profit and compliance strategies.
• Negotiate terms that balance business objectives with regulatory and technical requirements.
• Coordinate post-sales execution, ensuring compliance and client satisfaction.

6. Sales, Performance, and Team Development

• Set and achieve sales and site acquisition targets.
• Provide guidance and training to team members on regulatory processes, acquisition strategies, and client management.
• Track performance metrics and recommend strategy adjustments to improve results.

7. Administrative, Reporting, and Compliance Records

• Maintain accurate records of acquisition processes, regulatory permits, site agreements, and project documents.
• Produce weekly and monthly reports on acquisition progress, compliance status, and business development activities.
• Provide insights to Directors on regulatory trends and their potential business impact.

Additional Responsibilities

• Foster cross-departmental collaboration to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance.
• Stay updated on industry regulations, permitting processes, and emerging compliance requirements to keep African Towers competitive and risk-free.