Business Development Manager - Hybrid Marketing & Communications

• Own the agency's new business pipeline from prospecting to conversion, setting and achieving ambitious annual revenue growth targets.
• Position Smart Codes as a market leader in integrated marketing, PR, and sustainability-led communications through thought leadership and relationship building.
• Develop strategic go-to-market plans and new service offerings that expand Smart Codes' footprint across Africa.
• Build and maintain a strong network of senior decision-makers, influencers, and industry bodies to generate consistent leads.
• Lead major new business pitches and collaborate cross-functionally with department heads to deliver integrated solutions.
• IntegrateAuthority & Resources responsibilities by managing business development budgets, approving major client contracts, and overseeing resource allocation across teams.

• Lead and hold accountable the Business Sector Relationship Managers (BSRMs) for portfolio growth, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Champion client partnership excellence through quarterly business reviews, long-term account planning, and strategic alignment sessions.
• Ensure all client programs align with governance, ethical, and sustainability standards.
• Support clients in embedding sustainability communication, corporate purpose, and social impact storytelling into their marketing plans.
• Act as senior counsel during reputation management, crisis communication, or stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Maintain the highest levels of client trust through transparency, performance, and results-driven partnership.

• Lead the agency's P&L, ensuring revenue growth, cost efficiency, and strong EBITDA performance.
• Establish clear KPIs across departments including business development, client retention, and campaign effectiveness.
• Drive accountability through quarterly performance reviews and financial health assessments.
• Mentor department heads to build leadership strength, operational excellence, and innovation capacity.

• Achieve year-on-year agency revenue growth and profitability targets.
• Maintain high client retention and satisfaction scores across all business sectors.
• Deliver measurable PR and reputation outcomes, including media visibility and share of voice growth.
• Integrate governance and sustainability principles into 100% of agency and client initiatives.
• Launch at least one cross-department innovation or sustainability project per year.
• Ensure a high project delivery rate within agreed timelines and budgets.

• Lead Smart Codes' internal and external Public Relations strategy, ensuring consistent, positive visibility across Africa.
• Oversee corporate communications, media relations, and thought leadership content to position the agency as a trusted, values-driven brand.
• Implement governance frameworks that promote compliance, transparency, and ethical operations across all departments.
• Drive the agency's sustainability agenda - embedding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into operations, culture, and client programs.
• Partner with clients to design and communicate sustainability-focused campaigns and CSR initiatives.
• Measure and report on Smart Codes' sustainability impact and performance annually.

• Oversee the evaluation and adoption of cutting-edge marketing technologies and platforms to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and insight generation.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives that integrate data, AI, and automation across departments.
• Champion innovation-driven solutions that expand client value and operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement across all service lines.

• Strong business development and client leadership skills.
• Expertise in integrated marketing, PR, and corporate communication.
• Proven understanding of governance, ethics, and sustainability frameworks (ESG, CSR, compliance).
• Exceptional leadership, financial management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance profitability with purpose.
• Strong media relations, stakeholder management, and public-speaking capabilities.
• Agile, visionary, and collaborative leadership style

• A portfolio of 6-12 past clients (advertisers, agencies, publishers, telcos, financial institutions, or digital marketplaces).
• Supporting evidence: campaign briefs, invoices/POs, signed MOUs, case studies, or client referral contacts.
• At least 2 campaigns sold and managed end-to-end, with measurable results (metrics and revenue).

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