Careers
Business Development Executive
Grow LEAF Africa's revenue and institutional relationships by identifying client needs, developing commercial opportunities and converting a qualified pipeline into business.
- Location
- Lagos, Nigeria (hybrid)
- Residency
- Must be Lagos-based
- Employment
- Full-time, immediate start
- Experience
- 4–7 years
About LEAF Africa
LEAF Africa is a pan-African economic intelligence platform that transforms economic data and research into decision-ready intelligence for investors, businesses, policymakers and institutions.
Role purpose
The Business Development Executive will grow LEAF Africa's revenue and institutional relationships by identifying client needs, developing relevant commercial opportunities and converting a qualified pipeline into business. The role combines consultative selling, proposal development, negotiation and account management, working closely with the Programmes Lead and research, marketing and delivery teams.
Key responsibilities
- Build and manage the sales pipeline from prospecting and qualification through proposals, negotiation, closure and client handover.
- Identify prospective clients and partners across businesses, financial institutions, investors, development organisations and public institutions.
- Translate LEAF's research, intelligence products and programmes into clear client value propositions and tailored commercial offers.
- Prepare pitches, proposals and budgets with internal teams, aligning scope, pricing and delivery commitments before submission.
- Develop relationships with decision-makers and use targeted outreach, referrals, events and partnerships to generate qualified opportunities.
- Negotiate commercial terms within approved limits, secure agreements and support timely invoicing and payment follow-up.
- Coordinate client onboarding, maintain key accounts and identify opportunities for repeat business, renewals and account growth.
- Maintain accurate CRM records, revenue forecasts and pipeline reports; use client feedback and conversion data to improve the sales approach.
Experience and qualifications
- 4–7 years of relevant experience in business development, B2B sales, partnerships or commercial account management.
- A proven record of building a pipeline and converting opportunities into revenue, with clear evidence of personal contribution and results.
- Experience managing the sales cycle, including client discovery, proposal writing, negotiation, closure and relationship management.
- A degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Experience selling research, intelligence, consulting or other professional services is an advantage.
- Availability to work full-time in Lagos under a hybrid arrangement and to start immediately.
Required competencies
- Commercial judgement: identify credible opportunities, understand client needs and explain the business value of LEAF's work.
- Communication and negotiation: write persuasive proposals, present confidently and engage senior stakeholders.
- Sales discipline: manage follow-ups, CRM data, forecasts, priorities and multiple opportunities with attention to detail.
- Ownership and collaboration: work independently, meet commitments and coordinate effectively with research, programmes, marketing and delivery teams.
Measures of success
- Achievement of agreed revenue and new-client acquisition targets.
- A healthy qualified pipeline, stronger conversion rates and reliable sales forecasts.
- Repeat business, renewals and commercially productive institutional partnerships.
- Accurate CRM records, timely follow-up and a smooth transition from sales to delivery.
Compensation
Monthly net base salary: ₦500,000, plus performance-based commission under LEAF's approved commission policy.