Business Development Manager - Southern Africa

Purpose of the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Business Development Manager to oversee and grow sales operations within the SADC region and potential new territories. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of the ironmongery or construction hardware industry, a proven track record in B2B sales, and experience in managing customer relationships across the supply chain—from distributors and contractors to architects and end users etc. The job holder will promote and sell the full range of ASSA ABLOY Solutions into the retail, commercial and projects verticals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve regional targets and business growth.
• Manage and support a portfolio of existing clients while actively identifying and converting new business opportunities.
• Foster relationships with key decision-makers in construction firms, architects, builders' merchants, and hardware distributors.
• Provide product knowledge and technical support to clients, including on-site visits and presentations.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform pricing, product development, and marketing strategies.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual sales forecasts, budgets, and performance reports for senior management.
• Collaborate with internal teams (logistics, technical support, marketing) to ensure customer satisfaction and service excellence.
• Attend trade shows, exhibitions, and networking events relevant to the industry and region.
• Management and coordination of various organizational functional areas for the business unit
• Responsible for achieving and exceeding set sales targets
• Create new distribution network/channel & Increase value to existing chain
• Ensure branding is as per ASSA ABLOY brand plan.
• Build market position by locating, developing, defining, and closing business relationships.
• Researching organizations and individuals to find new opportunities.
• Create, develop and close new business opportunities
• Work with the marketing and leadership team to develop and execute sales and marketing strategies
• Build portfolio of clients, both existing and new
• Maintain accurate customer and proposal records
• Prepare and deliver technical sales presentations and demonstrations showing the capabilities of the product range
• Contract negotiation and management of customer expectations
• Build and strengthen relationships with existing clients to ensure that return business is generated
• Provide the most appropriate solution to satisfy your client’s requirements
• Close new business deals by coordinating requirements; developing and negotiating contracts; and integrating contract requirements with business operations.
• Being hands-on in developing quotes and proposals for clients.
• Achieving budgeted (as a minimum) product revenue and margin – monthly & yearly.
• Present sales pipeline and target reports to business stakeholders
• Become and remain fully skilled in all existing and new technologies offered by the ASSA ABLOY group
• Conduct sales calls, presentations, and architect CPD’s.
• Responsible for timely and accurate reporting.
• Handle end to end solutions for clients (from cold call to installation and debt collection)
• Emphasis but not limited to the following brands within the Assa Abloy Portfolio Union, Yale, Mul-T-Lock, Impro, HID, Control iD, Aperio, Besam, Abloy, Tesa, Cliq, eCliq, Traka, IDS.
• Ad hoc activities to meet company requirements.

Required Professional Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university an advantage.
•  A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a business development role within the SADC region.

• A minimum of two (2) years sales experience in the Building Materials industry with sales targets management

• Ability to manage a territory independently, with strong planning and organizational abilities.
• You have the ability to think strategically and be hands-on simultaneously, with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of the industry and the roles of end user -owner, architect, construction manager, general contractor, MEP consultants, quantity surveyors etc.
• Proven track record in distributor management and supported field sales in the mentioned region
• You are a committed person that knows how to win over business partners to manage professionally and generate growth in a structured manner
• Technical aptitude in mechanical & electro mechanical products desired
• Ability to demonstrate sales leadership and confident during presentations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Valid driver’s license and passport required
• Must have a working cell phone
• Willing to travel extensively through the territory

Competencies & Personal Attributes:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be punctual and abide by company policies
• A quick learner with eager to read up on the various products
• A self-starter and entrepreneur with an appetite for challenges
• Excellent communication, time management, negotiation and follow-up skills
• Ability to quickly grasp technical information.
• Ability to build solid professional relationships

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces – physical and virtual – safer, more secure, and easier to access. 

As an employer, we value results – not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.

As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.