Business Development Officer

SUMMARY:
A dynamic and well-established company based in Melrose, Johannesburg is seeking a driven Business Development Officer to generate new business, build aviation-market relationships and convert finance opportunities.

This hunter-focused role requires strong sales, networking and relationship-building skills. Experience in aviation, aircraft finance, asset finance, commercial finance, banking or lending will be advantageous.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities: Business Development & Market Origination: Identify and pursue new aircraft-finance opportunities. Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients and introducers. Build relationships with aircraft owners, operators, brokers, suppliers and aviation professionals. Identify client funding requirements and position the company as a suitable partner. Generate repeat business and new referrals through strong relationship management. Represent the company professionally within the aviation market. Opportunity Qualification & Transaction Management: Understand client requirements and assess potential finance opportunities. Gather accurate preliminary information relating to the client, aircraft, transaction value, deposit, security and affordability. Work with internal credit, operations and management teams to progress transactions. Assist with developing commercially viable finance solutions. Manage client expectations and coordinate the transaction process through to completion. Identify potential concerns or risks early and escalate them appropriately. Focus time and resources on viable opportunities with a realistic path to approval and completion. Client & Relationship Management: Develop and maintain long-term relationships with clients, brokers, suppliers and introducers. Respond promptly to enquiries and maintain consistent communication. Build a strong professional reputation through reliable service and effective execution. Convert successful transactions into repeat business and additional introductions. Sales Pipeline & Reporting: Maintain an accurate and disciplined sales pipeline. Record prospecting activity, meetings, deal stages, expected values and next actions. Monitor conversion opportunities and transaction progress. Provide management with regular pipeline updates, forecasts and relevant market insights. Take ownership of obstacles that may delay or impact transactions. Governance & Compliance: Adhere to company sales, credit, documentation, confidentiality and compliance requirements. Ensure information provided to clients and internal stakeholders is accurate. Operate within approved company authority and processes. Requirements: Proven track record in business development, sales and new-business origination. Demonstrated ability to generate and convert new business. Experience managing client relationships and referral networks. Strong commercial understanding and ability to work with finance-led transactions. Proven ability to manage a sales pipeline and achieve targets. Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills. Ability to engage confidently with senior decision-makers. High level of initiative, resilience and accountability. Should you not receive a response within 2 weeks,