Business Develop Practitioner (Three-Year Contract) at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Business Development Practitioner in the Smart Places Cluster. The main purpose of this position is, in collaboration with the Business Development Manager and Centre Manager, to identify, coordinate and lead the securing of major strategic contract initiatives that will contribute to the growth and sustainability of the centre. It is also to manage relationships with key external stakeholders at the highest level, in government and the private sector, locally and internationally, in collaboration with the management structure.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with key internal and external clients;
• Develop and maintain strong links with selected research areas in the CSIR;
• Maintain visibility in CSIR and external media;
• Manage client feedback through surveys and other means;
• Attend conferences and events that focus on the sector;
• Work closely with the Communications department in marketing the Centre;
• Conduct select market analysis of the sector in collaboration with researchers in the Line;
• Ensure strong network with other science councils, government and the private sector;
• Identify potential new areas of business and solicit such business (projects) from clients;
• Contribute substantially to the centre meeting its annual sales budget and
• Provide instrumental guidance in the areas where there is low sales;
• Ensure all proposals and other client agreements have been approved by CSIR legal section and follow the prescribed routing process, and
• Track project activities and ensure that the deliverables of these contracts and initiatives are met and clients satisfied.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business management or economics. At least five years’ experience in a business development role in a Research, Development and Innovation environment.
• Experience in working with private sector, international sector and different tiers of government.
• Evidence of substantive knowledge and experience in client/stakeholder relationship management.
• Evidence of substantive knowledge and experience in business development.
• Experience in financial and business mechanisms and processes.

Closing date: 15 March 2024