Business Development Lead – NBA Africa

9932

Johannesburg, Johannesburg, ZA, 2196

Position Summary:

NBA Africa is seeking an experienced sales/marketing professional to lead our New Business Development team. This position plays a key role in managing a team of individuals who are responsible for generating new sponsorship revenue for the company. The ideal candidate must be a skilled leader, a superb salesperson, and a dynamic team player. The candidate needs to be an excellent communicator, relationship builder and proven negotiator.

The successful candidate will develop and implement the new business development strategy with a focus on new partnership development & acquisition. This person requires the ability to prospect, pitch, negotiate and secure new marketing partners across the continent in English, French and Arabic territories. The role will require frequent travel throughout the African region and will work closely with the Marketing, Media, Legal, Finance and Events Teams to create and drive new revenue streams.

Major Responsibilities:

• Development and implementation of the new business strategy for NBA Africa.
• Build relationships with senior-level decision makers at prospective sponsors, relevant marketing agencies, event management companies, and promoters to generate new partners and other new business opportunities
• Manage the sales process from proposal to deal memo submission and contract execution by liaising with other departments (Legal, Finance, etc.)
• Adapt current NBA marketing programs and create new initiatives tailored to prospective partners’ requirements.
• Maintain a database of high-value targets and opportunities
• Monitor the activity of other sports and entertainment properties in the region
• Liaise with colleagues globally across the NBA to uncover business development opportunities
• Maintain a strong understanding of industry marketing channels and technologies that clients may utilize in activating their brand and business plans

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Business planning and sales strategy.
• Successful track record of leading teams and strategic work that resulted in the securing and retaining of significant sponsorship deals.
• High level connectivity – client side and sponsorship/marketing community in general
• Entrepreneurial approach with a strong understanding of business fundamentals
• Ability to develop creative solutions which will meet the objectives of prospective partners

Experience Needed:

• Minimum of 10 years of senior sports industry sales and/or senior business development experience
• Strategic thinker – able to shape, develop and execute the commercial strategy for NBA Africa
• Commercially minded and results-driven
• Excellent presentation skills
• Ability to work well within a matrixed organization
• A passion for sports, preferred
• English fluency, French and or Arabic speaking preferred

Educational Background Required:

• Post Graduate degree required, MBA preferred