Operations and Business Development Manager

About the role

We are a multi‑venture enterprise operating across technology and professional services in Southern and East Africa. The Operations and Business Development Manager will work directly with the director to keep day‑to‑day operations running smoothly while actively pursuing new commercial opportunities and supporting procurement and tender processes.

Key responsibilities

• Manage daily operational tasks across multiple ventures, tracking projects, deadlines and deliverables using shared digital tools.
• Coordinate supplier, vendor and partner relationships on behalf of the director.
• Draft, organise and file business correspondence, proposals and contracts; prepare meeting agendas, take notes and follow up on actions.
• Support governance and administrative requirements for portfolio companies as needed.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, build and maintain a live pipeline of prospects and partners.
• Create outreach emails, capability statements and pitch materials; represent the business at networking events, industry forums and trade meetings.
• Manage the full sales cycle from initial contact to contract signing, with support where required.
• Monitor and assist with tender and procurement processes.

Required profile

• Proven experience in business development, sales or a commercial role with a track record of closing or contributing to deals.
• Strong project‑management ability to run multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Excellent written communication, highly organised and detail‑oriented.
• Self‑starter who can work independently with minimal supervision.
• Confident relationship builder comfortable engaging with clients, partners and senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the African business environment, especially Botswana, Kenya or South Africa, and familiarity with tourism, hospitality, education or professional‑services sectors.

Required skills

• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Drive, Gmail, Sheets).
• Experience using project‑tracking tools such as Trello or equivalent.