New Business Development Manager

The Continent is the most widely distributed newspaper in Africa, with 30,000 subscribers in 140 countries globally. A digital startup with its roots in South Africa, it exists to empower people with quality journalism. The newsroom has been funded through foundations and we are now looking to grow our commercial operation. For this, we are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven New Business Development Manager to lead our business development efforts. This is our first sales hire and the successful candidate will need to drive revenue growth, build strategic partnerships, and contribute to our mission of getting more journalism to more people. This role requires a deep understanding of the South African media landscape. Candidates with proven experience in media sales and business development will be given priority consideration.

We know that (for many reasons) marginalised people are less likely to think they’re qualified for a role. Apply. Our organisation is worker-led, majority-women and we strive to empower each other.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to identify new media opportunities, focusing on digital, broadcast, and print platforms, and target key clients, including businesses, NGOs, and government agencies.
• Develop and implement strategic new business development plans to achieve and exceed revenue targets, increasing market share by a measurable percentage annually.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including NGOs, sponsors, industry associations, and government agencies, to foster collaborative opportunities.
• Create and execute detailed account plans for selected high-potential accounts, coordinating with internal teams to ensure seamless project execution and providing regular, data-driven progress reports.
• Negotiate and close profitable deals with new clients, ensuring favorable contract terms and maximizing revenue generation.
• Develop and deliver compelling sales presentations and proposals, showcasing The Continent's capabilities and competitive advantages in the South African and African media market.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (marketing, operations, finance) to ensure successful project delivery and exceptional client satisfaction.
• Stay informed about emerging industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices, integrating them into the company's strategic initiatives.
• Represent The Continent at industry events, conferences, and trade shows, networking with potential clients and promoting our brand and services."
• Maintain accurate records of sales activities within the company CRM.
• Identify and secure new advertising partnerships with key South African businesses and NGOs, focusing on digital and broadcast platforms.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of key accounts, providing regular performance reports and identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling.
• Create and deliver compelling proposals for integrated media campaigns, including online, print, and digital elements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of proven experience in sales and business development, preferably within the South African media industry.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets.
• Strong negotiation, consultative sales, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Hunter-focused with a proactive and results-oriented approach.
• Proficiency in CRM software and sales reporting.
• Existing network of contacts within the South African media and business sectors is highly advantageous.
• Own reliable transport is advantageous.
• Experience in digital media sales and advertising is a strong plus.
• Proven ability to work remotely with other people, and use remote working tools to effectively communicate with a team.

Company Description

All Protocol Observed is the publisher of The Continent newspaper.

Posted on 05 Mar 16:47, Closing date 20 Mar