Bekaert is a world market and technology leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies, producing in 80 plants and selling in 120 countries. In 2017, Bekaert aims to enter Sub-Saharan Africa, starting with market and business development in Nigeria and Kenya and professionalization of the existing business in Angola. The Regional Manager SSA is an experienced business developer with exposure in Africa to further develop and drive the Bekaert SSA growth strategy to help the company become a leading player in the selected market segments.
Required expertise and competences
• 15 years of experience, of which minimally 6 years in general management and 6 years in commercial functions
• Proven success in developing business in Sub-Saharan Africa and/or other emerging markets
• Appreciation of and ability to effectively deal with the regulatory, fiscal and legal business climate
• Understanding of industry landscape, trends and competitors
• Knowledge of one or more of the following industries:
construction, fencing, agribusiness, energy
• Understanding of ISW and BP products
• Entrepreneurial, independent, assertive, proactive and result-driven personality
• Can-do, get-it-done, never-give-up attitude
• Fluency in English. Working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is a plus.
Other information
• The function will report directly to the Executive Vice President for the ERMEA region, member of the Bekaert Group Executive
• The position is initially based at the company’s headquarters in Kortrijk and may be relocated to the region after a short period
• Extensive travelling (75%) required
Responsibilities / objectives
First 6 months:
• Further develop strategy for entry and growth in selected SSA markets
• Develop overall business case for the pilots
• Organize internal SSA support structure
• Establish local implementation structure
General:
• Develop and guide local Bekaert representations
• Effectively build up and maintain relationships internally and externally to support strategic goals
• Manage internal and external sales processes
• Align, channel and ensure the effective handling of demands from African organizations within the global Bekaert organization
• Identify, assess and negotiate long-term partnership agreements
• Lead and execute transactions
• Uncover new business opportunities and drive revenue
• Be the representative for Bekaert for all SSA
• Secure efficient and effective operation of the SSA support center