Director: Strategic Market Engagement (Open to National Offices) at BDO South Africa

Primary Purpose of the Job

• BDO South Africa is seeking a commercially driven and well-connected senior leader to take on the role of Director: Strategic Market Engagement.
• This role is focused on expanding the firm’s presence in key markets by building and leveraging strategic relationships that create access to new opportunities and strengthen BDO’s position within priority sectors.
• The successful candidate will operate at a senior level, engaging with executives, board members, and industry leaders, and will play a key role in enabling business growth through targeted market engagement and opportunity development.
• This is a high-impact role suited to an individual who thrives in a relationship-led environment and is motivated by influence, access, and commercial outcomes.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Market Development & Strategic Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders across priority sectors 
• Strengthen BDO’s visibility and positioning within relevant markets and industry platforms 
• Represent BDO at selected industry engagements, forums, and networking platforms 
• Build a strong external network that enhances access to decision-makers 

Business Development & Opportunity Creation

• Identify and develop new business opportunities aligned to the firm’s growth priorities 
• Facilitate strategic introductions between prospective clients and BDO leadership 
• Support the progression of opportunities into formal client engagements 
• Collaborate across service lines to maximise the value of opportunities 

Market Insight & Intelligence

• Gather insights on market trends, stakeholder movements, and sector developments 
• Contribute to shaping client targeting and business development initiatives 
• Identify opportunities to enhance BDO’s market presence through strategic initiatives 

Relationship Management

• Build and sustain long-term, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders 
• Ensure relationships are embedded within the firm  
• Maintain visibility of engagement activity and opportunity progression 

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with leadership teams to align market activity with business priorities 
• Support collaboration across sectors and service lines 
• Contribute to a coordinated and consistent approach to market engagement 

Leadership & People Management

• Provide leadership and direction within market development to ensure alignment with the firm’s strategic priorities 
• Influence and guide internal stakeholders to effectively leverage relationships and convert business opportunities 
• Support the development of a relationship-driven and business focused culture across the firm 
• Act as a role model in stakeholder engagement, professionalism, and external representation 
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and capability building in business development and market engagement practices

Requirements
Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Marketing, Finance, or a related field 
• A postgraduate qualification (e.g. MBA or equivalent) will be advantageous 

Experience

• Minimum of 12–15 years’ experience in business development, market development, stakeholder engagement, or a similar commercially focused role
• Demonstrated experience engaging with senior executives, board members, and industry stakeholders
• Proven ability to build and leverage strategic relationships to support business growth
• Experience within a professional services or advisory environment will be advantageous

Requirements

• Ability to operate credibly at executive and board level, with strong professionalism, discretion, and sound business judgement
• Strong business development and commercial awareness, with the ability to identify and develop market opportunities
• Advanced relationship-building, networking, and stakeholder management capability
• Strong external market orientation and ability to represent the firm effectively in professional and industry environments
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple stakeholders, teams, and functions to align to business priorities
• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives
• Willingness and ability to travel for stakeholder engagement

Behavioural Competencies

• Executive presence and credibility
• Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Strong interpersonal effectiveness and emotional intelligence
• Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment
• Sound judgement and professionalism
• Ability to build trust and maintain long-term relationships
• Strong external market awareness and curiosity
• Ability to influence without direct authority
• Leadership presence within a matrix environment

BDO Core Competencies

• Relationships and Collaboration 
• Exceptional Client Service 
• Business Growth 
• Engaging people
• Leadership
• Quality, Risk management and Operational performance