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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Required Skills/Knowledge:

Business planning and sales strategy

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

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

Entrepreneurial approach with a strong understanding of business fundamentals

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

Capable of developing sales materials and associated budgets autonomously

Experience Needed:

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

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

Commercially minded and results-driven

Excellent presentation skills

Ability to work well within a matrixed organization

A passion for sports, preferred

English fluency, French and or Arabic speaking preferred

Educational Background Required:

Post Graduate degree required, MBA preferred

Head of Business Development - NBA Africa & BAL