Senior Business Development Manager

About Enterprise Singapore and the Role

Enterprise Singapore is a government agency under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, aiming to strengthen Singapore’s economy by enhancing enterprise capabilities in innovation, technology, and internationalisation. The organisation supports Singaporean businesses in accessing global markets, collaborating with technology partners, and promoting Singapore as a hub for global trade and innovation.

With over 36 Overseas Centres worldwide, including three in Africa located in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Accra, the Accra Overseas Centre is looking for a Senior Business Development Manager (S/BDM) to support the Regional Director in advancing Enterprise Singapore’s mission across West and Central Africa. Key markets of focus include Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal where active engagements promoting Singapore companies’ interests are prioritized.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to recognize and facilitate business openings for Singapore companies in targeted West African countries and engage with key stakeholders such as government bodies, local partners, and industry clients.
• Analyze business environments and provide up-to-date market intelligence, including sector-specific and regional research to discover opportunities for projects and investments.
• Maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities by tracking important growth sectors and emerging market trends.
• Organize and execute marketing trips, business missions, and related promotional activities supporting Singapore companies’ market entry and growth strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive market reports and insights to enhance Singapore companies’ understanding of the regional business landscape.
• Develop and nurture strategic relationships and partnerships within the local markets to facilitate lead generation, business matches, and expansion efforts.
• Contribute to creating and implementing engagement strategies to improve collaboration and market access.
• Promote Singapore as a dynamic trade and innovation hub through stakeholder outreach and market initiatives.
• Assist the Regional Director in both Accra and Singapore headquarters with strategic projects and regional priorities.
• Regularly travel across West and Central African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal to engage stakeholders, develop markets, and support related business activities.

Candidate Profile and Skills

• Minimum of over 3 years’ experience in business development, market analysis, marketing, or a related field with a strong interest in international trade and investment promotion.
• Experience working overseas, particularly with foreign governments or multinational organisations, and adeptness in managing client and external stakeholder relationships is preferred.
• Knowledge or prior involvement in trade and investment promotion services and official bilateral engagements/business missions is advantageous.
• Sector expertise in areas such as Infrastructure, Hospitality, Urban Solutions, Energy, Transport & Logistics, Consumer/FMCG, or Digital Innovation is beneficial.
• Strong analytical and research capabilities to conduct thorough analyses and prepare concise, clear reports and presentations.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in written and spoken English and French.
• Strong interpersonal skills, enabling diplomatic and tactful communication with various stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, independent, resourceful, and results-driven approach to accomplishing objectives.
• Effective multitasking and organisational abilities to manage multiple priorities, coordinate meetings, and undertake travel commitments.
• Well-established contact networks in Ghana and francophone West Africa to assist in lead generation and project development for Singapore companies is an added advantage.

Work Culture and Data Privacy

The organisation values teamwork, clear communication, personal accountability, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Candidates should be comfortable managing change and contributing positively in a collaborative environment.

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