Business Development Manager

Location Cape Town Position Summary The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving the specification, acceptance, and adoption of the company's electronic fire detection and life safety solutions across new construction and refurbishment projects. The primary focus of the role is to influence project stakeholders during the design and planning stages, ensuring the company's products and systems are specified by consulting engineers, developers, architects, project managers, government bodies, and end users. The successful candidate will build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers across the property development, engineering consulting, government, and corporate sectors, positioning the company as the preferred fire detection solutions provider for upcoming projects. Key Responsibilities - Drive the specification of the company's fire detection and life safety products into project designs and tender documents. - Develop and maintain relationships with consulting engineers, fire engineers, electrical engineers, architects, and design consultants. - Conduct technical presentations, product demonstrations, and training sessions for consulting firms and project stakeholders. - Monitor upcoming construction projects and identify opportunities at the earliest stages of project development. - Identify and develop new business opportunities within targeted market sectors. - Build strategic relationships with property developers, investors, project management firms, and contractors. - Establish relationships with key decision-makers within property developers, corporate end users, government departments, healthcare, education, hospitality, industrial and commercial sectors. - Build and maintain relationships with government authorities, regulatory bodies, industry associations, and fire safety stakeholders. - Monitor competitor activities, specifications, and market trends. - Work closely with sales, technical support, engineering, and marketing teams to maximize project conversion. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - Value and number of projects specified. - Number of consulting engineering firms actively specifying company products. - Number of developer and end-user accounts engaged. - Growth in project pipeline value. - Conversion rate of specified projects into awarded business. - Number of technical presentations and stakeholder engagements conducted. - Market share growth within targeted sectors. Qualifications & Experience - Bachelor's Degree, Diploma, or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Building Services, Fire Protection, Business, or a related field. - Experience in business development, specification sales, technical sales, or account management. Previous exposure to fire detection, security, building automation, life safety systems, or related industries would be a distinct advantage. - Proven ability in engaging with consulting engineers, developers, and end users. - Strong understanding of the construction project lifecycle. Skills & Competencies - Strong relationship-building and networking skills. - Excellent presentation and communication abilities. - Commercial awareness and business acumen. - Technical aptitude and ability to communicate complex solutions effectively. - Strategic thinking and opportunity identification. - Negotiation and influencing skills. Role Objective - To increase the company's market share and revenue by ensuring its fire detection and life safety solutions are specified, approved, and adopted by key project influencers and decision-makers, ultimately converting specifications into profitable project awards and long-term client standards.