Business Development Manager at KBR Inc

• KBR is seeking a Senior Manager, Business Development to lead our sales and growth initiatives across Sub‑Saharan Africa. This position will be based in Nigeria and will focus initially on developing the local market, with an expanded mandate to drive business growth in the region
• The ideal candidate will bring extensive domain expertise in the energy sector, coupled with strong business development, client engagement, and negotiation skills. The role will support all business verticals within KBR’s Sustainable Technology Solutions organization, with responsibility for advancing opportunities and delivering our full portfolio of proprietary technology licesning, asset performance solutions, and engineering services.

Key Aims and Objectives

• To define and deliver the agreed business plan through effective leadership of the work to achieve / exceed agreed targets and objectives.
• Develop, strengthen, and maintain high‑value relationships with key clients, potential partners, contractors, suppliers, and regulatory authorities to enhance KBR’s brand presence and drive business growth in line with KBR’s strategic objectives.
• Act as an active contributor within the MEA leadership team, supporting the formulation and successful execution of the broader Africa growth strategy.

Primary Role And Responsibilities

• Achieve or exceed the country’s financial, operational, and business development targets.
• Identify, evaluate, and capitalize on new business opportunities by leveraging deep insight into market drivers, competitive landscape, regulatory frameworks, and industry trends.
• Forge and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders in NOC’s, IOC’s, EPC partners, project developers and government agencies, to foster collaboration and drive business growth.
• Co-ordinate the gathering, analysis and dissemination of market intelligence to identify opportunities for future business growth.
• Lead end‑to‑end bid and proposal development processes, coordinating closely with technical teams (PSLs & Project Managers), commercial functions, and operations. Drive internal alignment, negotiation strategies, and pursuit excellence through to contract award.
• Serve as executive sponsor for key in‑country projects, ensuring successful delivery and exceptional client satisfaction.
• Prepare high‑quality deal summaries detailing opportunity insights, organizational structures, and clear action/closure plans.
• Ensure all KBR activities in-country are conducted safely and in compliance with corporate standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Build, promote and enhance KBR’s reputation and brand in-country and that KBR’s Code of Business Conduct and ethical standards are applied rigorously.
• Lead by example the development of a high-performance culture consistent with KBR’s values.
• Demonstrate strong Safety leadership, promoting Zero Harm and ensuring adherence to KBR’s Health, Safety, Security, Environmental, and Sustainability objectives
• Represent KBR in relevant industry forums, associations, and conferences to strengthen visibility, influence, and market presence.

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of contemporary business leadership principles and the ability to apply best practices in complex, fast‑evolving market environments.
• Exceptional networking and relationship‑building capabilities, with a proven ability to develop and sustain strong connections with internal teams, clients, government entities, and strategic partners.
• High cultural awareness, sound judgment, and unwavering ethical standards, with the ability to operate confidently within diverse cultural and regulatory settings across Nigeria and Sub‑Saharan Africa.
• Broad commercial and technical expertise across the energy value chain, enabling clear articulation of KBR’s value propositions and solutions to customers and partners.
• Established relationships and a strong professional network within the Nigerian energy sector, including NOCs, IOCs, EPCs, regulators, and potential joint‑venture partners.
• Comprehensive understanding of various business models, market structures, product portfolios, and asset types, supporting strategic decision‑making and opportunity shaping.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering is required; a post‑graduate business qualification (such as an MBA or equivalent) is strongly preferred.
• Strong technical understanding of Refining, Petrochemical, and Fertilizer processes, including relevant technologies, value chains, and industry drivers.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in the energy sector, with a solid foundation in process engineering, project development, and technology-focused roles, complemented by leadership positions in business development, commercial management, or project delivery
• Proven capability in establishing market presence, driving business growth, and shaping strategic market-entry initiatives within Nigeria or the broader Sub‑Saharan Africa region
• Strategic, innovative, and commercially minded professional with a track record of leading change, implementing improvements, and influencing stakeholders at senior levels.