Business Development Manager — Hybrid Marketing & Communications

About SmartCodes

SmartCodes is a leading pan-African hybrid marketing agency delivering creative innovation, media planning and buying, experiential activations, public relations, and integrated 360° campaigns. We forge new paths where technology meets consumer insight.

Job Summary

You are the strategic and operational leader of Smart Codes’ integrated marketing, communications, and business growth agenda. This role sits at the intersection of brand, business, and purpose responsible for driving profitability, building the agency’s reputation, and embedding governance and sustainability practices across operations and client work. As a business hunter and integrator, you will oversee client relationship excellence, guide cross-department collaboration, and ensure Smart Codes remains a trusted, ethical, and future-ready communications partner across Africa.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Development

• Own the agency’s new business pipeline from prospecting to conversion, setting and achieving ambitious annual revenue growth targets.
• Position Smart Codes as a market leader in integrated marketing, PR, and sustainability-led communications through thought leadership and relationship building.
• Develop strategic go-to-market plans and new service offerings that expand Smart Codes’ footprint across Africa.
• Build and maintain a strong network of senior decision-makers, influencers, and industry bodies to generate consistent leads.
• Lead major new business pitches and collaborate cross-functionally with department heads to deliver integrated solutions.
• Integrate Authority & Resources responsibilities by managing business development budgets, approving major client contracts, and overseeing resource allocation across teams.

2. Client Relationship Management (CRM)

• Lead and hold accountable the Business Sector Relationship Managers (BSRMs) for portfolio growth, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Champion client partnership excellence through quarterly business reviews, long-term account planning, and strategic alignment sessions.
• Ensure all client programs align with governance, ethical, and sustainability standards.
• Support clients in embedding sustainability communication, corporate purpose, and social impact storytelling into their marketing plans.
• Act as senior counsel during reputation management, crisis communication, or stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Maintain the highest levels of client trust through transparency, performance, and results-driven partnership.

3. Performance Management (including KPIs)

• Lead the agency’s P&L, ensuring revenue growth, cost efficiency, and strong EBITDA performance.
• Establish clear KPIs across departments including business development, client retention, and campaign effectiveness.
• Drive accountability through quarterly performance reviews and financial health assessments.
• Mentor department heads to build leadership strength, operational excellence, and innovation capacity.
• KPIs:
  • o Achieve year-on-year agency revenue growth and profitability targets.
• o Maintain high client retention and satisfaction scores across all business sectors.
• o Deliver measurable PR and reputation outcomes, including media visibility and share of voice growth.
• o Integrate governance and sustainability principles into 100% of agency and client initiatives.
• o Launch at least one cross-department innovation or sustainability project per year.
• o Ensure a high project delivery rate within agreed timelines and budgets.

4. Public Relations, Governance & Sustainability Leadership

• Lead Smart Codes’ internal and external Public Relations strategy, ensuring consistent, positive visibility across Africa.
• Oversee corporate communications, media relations, and thought leadership content to position the agency as a trusted, values-driven brand.
• Implement governance frameworks that promote compliance, transparency, and ethical operations across all departments.
• Drive the agency’s sustainability agenda — embedding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into operations, culture, and client programs.
• Partner with clients to design and communicate sustainability-focused campaigns and CSR initiatives.
• Measure and report on Smart Codes’ sustainability impact and performance annually.

5. Technology & Innovation

• Oversee the evaluation and adoption of cutting-edge marketing technologies and platforms to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and insight generation.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives that integrate data, AI, and automation across departments.
• Champion innovation-driven solutions that expand client value and operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement across all service lines.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Public Relations, Communications, Environmental Management, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years in marketing, communications, or sustainability leadership, with at least 7 years in a senior agency or corporate leadership role.
• Track record: Demonstrated success in business growth, reputation management, client leadership, and implementing governance or sustainability initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Strong business development and client leadership skills.
• Expertise in integrated marketing, PR, and corporate communication.
• Proven understanding of governance, ethics, and sustainability frameworks (ESG, CSR, compliance).
• Exceptional leadership, financial management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance profitability with purpose.
• Strong media relations, stakeholder management, and public-speaking capabilities.
• Agile, visionary, and collaborative leadership style