Business Development Officer

Full Job Description

Job Description:
As a Business Development Officer, you will be instrumental in driving growth and expanding our reach within the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) market. Your primary focus will be on identifying new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and nurturing client relationships to facilitate the growth of our SME lending portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Market Research and Analysis: Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, industry opportunities, and potential target segments within the SME market. Analyze competitor offerings and market dynamics to inform strategic decision-making.
2. Lead Generation and Prospecting: Generate leads through various channels, including networking events, industry associations, and digital platforms. Proactively reach out to SMEs to introduce the company's finance products and services and identify potential business opportunities.
3. Client Acquisition: Develop and implement effective strategies to acquire new SME clients and onboard them onto company's Finance's lending platform. Build rapport with key decision-makers, understand their financing needs, and tailor solutions to meet their requirements.
4. Partnership Development: Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with stakeholders such as business associations, industry influencers, and financial intermediaries. Collaborate with partners to expand our referral network and reach new SME clients.
5. Relationship Management: Nurture relationships with existing SME clients to deepen engagement and maximize retention. Serve as a trusted advisor, providing ongoing support, guidance, and financial solutions to help clients achieve their business objectives.
6. Product Development Support: Gather feedback from clients and market insights to inform product development initiatives. Work closely with internal teams to identify opportunities for product enhancements or new offerings that address the evolving needs of SME clients.

Qualifications and Skills:
• Minimum OND in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or related field.
• Proven experience in business development, sales, or marketing roles within the financial services sector, preferably with a focus on SMEs on Lagos Island.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish rapport with clients and industry stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate value propositions effectively and influence decision-making.
• Strategic thinking and analytical capabilities, with the ability to identify market opportunities and develop actionable plans to capitalize on them.
• Results-driven mindset, with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets and driving business growth.