Head of Business Development - NBA Africa & BAL

Position Summary: 

NBA Africa & BAL is seeking an experienced sales/marketing professional to lead our New Business Development team. This position plays a key role in managing a team of individuals responsible for generating new sponsorship revenue for the company. The ideal candidate must be a skilled leader, a superb salesperson, and a dynamic team player. The candidate needs to be an excellent communicator, relationship builder and proven negotiator. 

The successful candidate will develop and implement a new business development strategy with a focus on new partnership development & acquisition. This person requires the ability to prospect, pitch, negotiate and secure new marketing partners across the continent in English, French and Arabic territories. The role will require frequent travel throughout the African region and will work closely with the Business Strategy, Marketing, Media, Legal, Finance and Events Teams to create and drive new revenue streams. 

Major Responsibilities: 

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Development and implementation of the new business strategy for NBA Africa and the BAL in conjunction with the Chief Commercial Officer 

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Build relationships with senior-level decision makers at prospective sponsors, relevant marketing agencies, event management companies, and promoters to generate new partners and other new business opportunities 

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Negotiate and secure strategic partnerships and sponsorships that align with NBA Africa’s goals and values 

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Manage the sales process from proposal to deal memo submission and contract execution by liaising with other departments (Business Strategy, Legal, Finance, etc.) 

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Adapt current NBA and BAL marketing programs and create new initiatives tailored to prospective partners' requirements. 

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Lead market research and analytics across various sectors to uncover trends and potential partnerships or sponsorships in Africa; maintain a database of high-value targets and opportunities 

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Monitor the activity of other sports and entertainment properties in the region 

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Liaise with colleagues globally across the NBA to uncover business development opportunities 

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Maintain a strong understanding of industry marketing channels and technologies that clients may utilize in activating their brand and business plans 

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Partner with NBA global sponsors with interest in appealing to African market to co-build initiatives for NBA Africa & BAL 

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Gather inputs from business development team and develop annual workplan for the function for approval by CCO 

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Report on progress of business development initiatives at HQ and country level to CCO 

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Collaborate with the Head of Marketing Partnerships to ensure partnerships lead to broader business gains 

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Work with the Finance team to assess financial implications of new business opportunities and ensure they meet revenue objectives 

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Partner with the Legal department to navigate contractual agreements and ensure compliance with local and international laws 

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Collaborate with in-country teams to develop and execute business development initiatives in local markets 

Required Skills/Knowledge: 

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Business planning and sales strategy 

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Successful track record of leading teams and strategic work resulted in securing and retaining significant sponsorship deals 

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High level connectivity - client side and sponsorship/marketing community in general 

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Entrepreneurial approach with a strong understanding of business fundamentals 

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Ability to develop creative solutions which will meet the objectives of prospective partners 

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Capable of developing sales materials and associated budgets autonomously  

Experience Needed: 

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Minimum of 10 years of senior sports industry sales and/or senior business development experience 

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Strategic thinker - able to shape, develop and execute the commercial strategy for NBA Africa 

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Commercially minded and results-driven 

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Excellent presentation skills 

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Ability to work well within a matrixed organization 

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A passion for sports, preferred 

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English fluency, French and or Arabic speaking preferred 

Educational Background Required: 

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Post Graduate degree required, MBA preferred