Are you a driven individual with a passion for innovation and a skill for studio operations management? We’re looking for a Studio Business Director to join Smart Africa Group and play a pivotal role in transforming Africa through cutting-edge technology solutions.

This high-impact position is perfect for a go-getter who thrives in fast-paced, high-energy environments. You’ll be able to turbocharge our studio’s growth, shape its strategic direction, and drive success through innovation and operational excellence.

In this role, you will:

• Prospect for potential new clients and opportunities within the industry and turn them into lucrative business.
• Cold call as appropriate to ensure a robust pipeline of opportunities.
• Meet potential clients by growing, maintaining, and leveraging your network.
• Research and build relationships with new and existing clients.
• Plan approaches and pitches to close new businesses.
• Work with team to develop proposals that speak to the client’s needs, concerns, and objectives.
•  Participate in pricing the solution/service.
• Handle objections by clarifying, emphasizing agreements and working through differences to a positive conclusion.
• Use a variety of styles to persuade or negotiate appropriately.
• Present an image that mirrors that of the client.
•  Achieve KPI by at least 10% on each month.

• Present new products and services and enhance existing relationships.
• Work with colleagues to meet customer needs.
• Arrange and participate in internal and external client debriefs.

• Attend industry functions, such as association events and conferences, and provide feedback and information on market and creative trends.
• Present to and consult with mid and senior level management on business trends with a view to developing new services, products, and distribution channels.
• Identify opportunities for campaigns, services, and products that will lead to an increase in sales.
• Using knowledge of the market and competitors, identify and develop the company’s unique selling propositions and differentiators.
• In collaboration with the creative team create and promote content for Smart Studio.
• Implement the Smart Studio digital communications strategy, focusing on social media management, blogging, email marketing and website.
• Write occasional press releases and outside communications.
• Help forge strategic partnership with individuals, local and international studios.
• Implement campaigns, events and other initiatives in support of Smart Studio strategic objectives, including its needs for a leading share of voice in content creation.

• Submit weekly progress reports and ensure data is accurate.
• Forecast sales targets and ensure they are met by you and the team.
• Track and record activity on accounts and help to close deals to meet these targets.
• Ensure that prerequisites (like prequalification or getting on a vendor list) are fulfilled within a timely manner.
• Present business development training and mentoring to business developers and other internal team members.
• Research and develop a thorough understanding of the company’s people and capabilities.
• Understand the company’s goal and purpose and strive to lead your team to meet them.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behaviour of the company.
• Plan events that would potentially on-board new clients.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience in studio operations management or a similar leadership role.
• Exceptional organizational, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities to inspire and lead teams.
• Familiarity with innovative technology solutions and their impact on Africa’s development.
• Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-moving, dynamic environment.
• A results-driven mindset with a passion for solving complex challenges.
• Minimum three years of experience in this industry.