Manager, Business Development in Consulting/Professional Services

Responsibilities:

Business Development Planning

• Develop institutional partnerships with local industry associations, academic institutions and professional bodies.
• Develop corporate relationships with Harley Reed professionals and functional leaders in our areas of specialism (procurement, supply chain, finance and marketing).
• Research and attend industry and academic functions, such as fairs, exhibitions and conferences, and provide feedback and information on market and creative trends.
• Present to and consult with middle and senior level management on business trends with a view to developing new services, products, and delivery channels.
• Identify opportunities for campaigns, services, and delivery channels that will lead to an increase in sales.
• Using knowledge of the market and competitors, identify and develop Harley Reed’s unique selling propositions and differentiators.

New Business Development

• Prospect for potential new clients and turn this into increased business.
• Initiate contact as appropriate within Harley Reed’s target market or geographic area to ensure a robust pipeline of opportunities.
• Communicate new products to clients.
• Work closely with team members to set up meetings between client decision makers and Harley Reed’s practice leaders where appropriate based on core focus areas set out in annual business plans.
• Plan approaches and lead drafting of pitch documents, presentations, tenders and proposals for review by a General Manager / Director.
• Coordinate with staff to leverage existing personal / professional relationships.
• Build a relationship with strategic organizations and partners.
• Handle objections by clarifying, emphasizing agreements and working through differences to a positive conclusion.
• Use a variety of styles to persuade and negotiate appropriately.
• Present an image that mirrors that of the client.
• Provide regular updates and ensure key tracking systems / CRMs are kept up to date with communications and lead status using HubSpot.

Client Retention & Repeat Business

• New Business Development
• Business Development Planning
• Present new products and services across all Harley Reed service lines and enhance existing relationships.
• Work with colleagues to meet customer needs for corporate / institutional clients.
• Arrange and participate in internal and external client debriefs. 

Employee Relations

• Establish and maintain cordial relationship with other employees across all departments to ensure harmonious working environment.
• Work closely with marketing / communications staff to present a consistent brand message to clients and the general public. Information and Reporting
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports relating to job functions. Monitor and report to General Managers on performance, plans and related matters.
• Provide clear and timely feedback on the progress of projects and engagements and bottlenecks.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree with significant working experience: 3 - 5 years of which in a marketing, business development or client engagement field.
• An MBA will be an added advantage.
• A recognized qualification in Marketing, Procurement / Supply Chain Management, Chartered Accountant or similar qualification will be an added advantage.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent planning and organizing skills.
• Good networking, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work effectively with all categories of employees.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Proactive following opportunities and ability to work in a fast paced and often pressured environment.
• Knowledge in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc.
• Good analytical skills.
• Negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Strong appreciation of time & cost requirements for delivery of scope.
• Able to foresee and handle any potential risk management issues.
• Project management skills will be an added advantage.

The Company

Originally founded as a partnership in 1991, Harley Reed was incorporated as a UK limited liability company in 1993. With the Ghana office opening in 1996, the Group is headquartered in the UK at Harley Reed International and has a network of offices in the UK and across Africa, where it currently has incorporated subsidiaries in the UK, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Ivory Coast.

Mission:

To become the leading pan-African focused professional services provider with a global reach, recognised for our professionalism, expertise, thought leadership, integrity and ethics in all our dealings.

Vision:

To offer a full suite of service offerings spanning advisory, knowledge and assurance across all industries and sectors. To excel in all we do and do only what we can excel in – partnering with globally respected bodies to deliver lasting value to our clients – representing ourselves and our values.

Values:

As a global business, we share global values guided by a set of behaviours that are demonstrated in our day-to day activities. We recognise that our greatest asset is our people. We also recognise that our clients value teams which work together seamlessly to support growth. We are committed to always putting integrity and professionalism at the centre of all we do. We respect our client’s trust and only accept engagements where we believe we are best placed to deliver quality and value.