Department: Business Development / International Sales
Location: Lebanon, with extensive travel across Africa
Industry: Furniture & Mattresses Manufacturing
Reports To: General Manager / Top Management
JOB PURPOSEWe are seeking an experienced and highly driven Business Development Manager – Africa to lead the company’s expansion into African markets.
The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge and proven experience in African markets, with an established understanding of local business environments, commercial practices, customer behavior, distribution networks, and market opportunities.
The role will be responsible for identifying, developing, and establishing new business opportunities across Africa for the company’s furniture and mattress products, building long-term partnerships, developing distribution channels, and creating sustainable revenue growth.
This is a field-oriented international business development position requiring frequent travel, market visits, customer meetings, negotiations, and the ability to establish business relationships from the ground up.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. African Market Development
New Business Development Identify and approach potential distributors, dealers, retailers, wholesalers, importers, agents, hospitality groups, real-estate developers, and corporate clients*. * Develop new accounts and convert opportunities into long-term commercial relationships. * Build the company’s presence in new African markets from the initial contact through to business launch. * Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of potential customers and business partners. * Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing, distribution arrangements, and partnership terms.
Furniture & Mattress Market Expansion
International Travel & Field Development
Strategic Partnerships
Business Planning & Reporting
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE 5+ years of proven experience in business development, international sales, export sales, or market expansion. * Strong and practical experience working in African markets. * Existing knowledge and/or network of African distributors, retailers, importers, wholesalers, or business partners is highly desirable. * Experience in furniture, mattresses, home furnishings, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, or a related industry is a strong advantage. * Proven track record of opening new markets and developing new business from zero*. * Strong negotiation and commercial skills. * Willingness and ability to travel extensively across Africa. * Strong understanding of international trade and export business. * Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills. * Strong business judgment and market-development mindset. * Fluent English is required; French and/or Arabic is an advantage. * Ability to work independently, take initiative, and represent the company in international markets.
KEY COMPETENCIES
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE WILL BE MEASURED BY
IDEAL PROFILEThe ideal candidate is not simply a salesperson. We are looking for a business developer and market builder who understands Africa, knows how to identify opportunities, can open doors, establish relationships, travel extensively, negotiate with decision-makers, and transform an opportunity into a sustainable business.
The candidate should be comfortable starting with a new country where the company has little or no presence, developing the network, identifying the right partners, and building the business step by step.
