Business Development Officer at a Reputable Company

Job Summary   

To support the General Manager in developing and executing business development and marketing initiatives for the guards/security business in order to drive sustainable revenue growth, improve market visibility and increase client acquisition and retention. The role will focus on identifying guard service opportunities, preparing and submitting proposals, and maintaining strong relationships with key decisionmakers in target sectors (residential estates, corporates, schools, churches, NGOs, etc.). 

 Duties and Responsibilities

• Identifies new business opportunities for guards/security services through market research, cold calls, visits, and networking within target sectors.
• Prepares and delivers technical and commercial proposals, quotations and presentations for guard services, ensuring timely follow-up until closure.
• Actively builds and manages a pipeline of prospects, maintaining an updated database of leads, proposals, and status reports.
• Works with Operations to design guard deployment plans and staffing proposals that meet client requirements while ensuring profitability.
• conducts regular market assessments to understand competitor pricing, service offerings and market trends in the private security industry and provides timely feedback to management.
• Supports negotiations of service level agreements (SLAs), contract terms and pricing within approved limits.
• Coordinates and participates in client visits, site surveys and security assessments for potential and existing clients.
• Maintains strong relationships with key clients to ensure satisfaction, renewals, upselling and referrals.
• Proactively identifies and recommends participation in industry events, security forums and exhibitions to promote the company’s guard services and brand.
• Prepares periodic reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly) on business development activities, pipeline status and performance against set targets for review by the General Manager
• Collaborates with the Marketing/Communications team (where applicable) to develop and implement campaigns, proposals, profiles and other promotional materials tailored to guards/security services.
• Ensures all client documentation, contracts and correspondence are properly filed and accessible.
• Supports debt follow-up on assigned accounts in conjunction with Finance and Operations.
• Perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the General Manager or Management.

Qualifications   

• Minimum of a Second Class Lower (2:2) bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Social Sciences or any related discipline. 
• Professional certification in Marketing, Sales or Security Management is an added advantage. 
• 5 years post-qualification experience in business development or sales, preferably in a guards/security company or related services industry (facility management, outsourcing, etc.). 

Skills & Competencies            

• Strong marketing and business development skills. 
• Good understanding of the private security/guards’ market, client segments and competitors. 
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal and presentation). 
• Negotiation, persuasion and closing skills. 
• Client and stakeholder engagement and relationship management. 
• Business and market intelligence. 
• Strong networking ability and presence. 
• Problem-solving and analytical skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• High level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.