Business Development Manager

Strathmore University is an educational institution founded in 1961 in Nairobi, Kenya, known for its academic programs and executive education.

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for promoting and selling Executive Education Open Enrolment Programs, working closely with the Head of Open Programs. This involves cultivating sustainable relationships with potential partners in both public and private sectors, nationally and internationally. The ideal candidate should possess significant experience in business development, developing training solutions, conducting market intelligence, and sales. The role requires a focus on increasing sales opportunities, achieving financial targets, and enhancing customer experience to foster lasting client and partner relationships.

1. Target new clients and propose new initiatives for existing clients to boost sales and meet financial targets.
2. Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, fostering industry linkages to position SBS as a key knowledge partner for African leaders.
3. Continuously seek ways to improve customer experience and deepen client/partner relationships.
4. Conduct data mining and build a prospect pipeline for assigned programs.
5. Analyze and manage stakeholders to maintain market engagement.
6. Perform continuous business intelligence to understand client needs at organizational, industry, and country levels, ensuring relevant and timely executive education and consultancy solutions are proposed.
7. Track client satisfaction through frequent review meetings and effective program evaluations.
8. Support faculty members to ensure client promises are met and expected outcomes are delivered.
9. Initiate and lead the program review process in collaboration with the Head of Open Programmes, Academic Directors, and the program management team.
10. Prepare internal management and client reports to support data-driven decision-making and process improvement.
11. Develop long-term planning and forecasting for each key account.
12. Set specific goals and objectives for each key account.
13. Manage buying cycles and their impact on the sales strategy.
14. Develop and maintain key accounts even in challenging market conditions.

1. Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage.
2. Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in business development, with proven expertise in sales, client relationship management, and key account management.
3. Prior experience interacting with C-suite executives and top business leaders is essential.
4. Previous experience in executive education or related fields is beneficial.
5. Ability to guide senior business leaders in designing effective training plans.
6. Strong research, planning, and reporting skills.
7. Excellent business communication and etiquette, with strong pitching abilities.
8. Proficiency in analyzing data from various sources and understanding business operations to identify opportunities.
9. Demonstrated capability to build and maintain crucial client relationships.