Business Development & Operations Lead
Company: Kijani Holdings Limited
Reports To: Director of Operations
Employment: Full-Time
Role Summary
The Business Development & Operations Lead is responsible for growing the business while ensuring that all outlets operate efficiently and consistently. The role focuses on identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, driving sales and marketing initiatives, and supporting the expansion of products and services.
The role also oversees day-to-day operational performance, ensuring that teams meet business, customer service, compliance, and efficiency standards. It works closely with Finance, HR, Procurement, IT, and Sales to improve processes, address operational gaps, introduce new ideas, and turn viable opportunities into profitable business initiatives
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Growth & Revenue:
Develop and execute sustainable growth strategies. Identify new markets, customer segments, products/services, and partnerships that increase revenue and profitability.
Partnership Development
Forge and manage strategic alliances with airlines, travel agencies, and other partners to expand sales channels. Lead complex negotiations and close deals that support expansion goals.
Market Intelligence & Planning
Conduct market research and competitive analysis to pinpoint trends, pricing, and positioning. Build detailed business cases and financial models for new initiatives. Contribute insights and forecasts for long-term strategic planning.
Marketing & Customer Acquisition
Lead the marketing and digital strategy to grow customer awareness and demand. This includes managing digital campaigns, promotions, and branding to drive customer acquisition, conversion and retention. Use data and customer feedback to continuously optimize the acquisition funnel and marketing ROI.
Operational Leadership
Oversee all retail and service operations across locations. Ensure outlets meet commercial and service standards and comply with SOPs, safety, and airport regulations. Monitor performance metrics (sales, customer satisfaction, efficiency) and quickly address operational issues.
Process Improvement & Quality
Establish, document, and enforce best practices and SOPs. Identify bottlenecks (in workflows, inventory, staffing, etc.) and champion solutions such as automation or lean processes. Promote continuous improvement culture by regularly reviewing outlet performance, conduct audits, and ensure corrective actions are taken promptly.
Innovation & New Initiatives
Maintain a pipeline of innovative ideas and projects. Pilot-test new products, services, or business models (e.g. digital sales channels or wellness packages) before full rollout. Encourage teams to generate revenue-driving ideas. Track the progress of pilot projects and scale those that meet performance criteria.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with finance, HR, procurement, IT, retail sales, and shop managers to implement business initiatives without duplicating efforts. Ensure that any new product launches or expansions are operationally ready. Align sales goals with operational capacity and budget constraints.
Qualifications & Experience
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales & Marketing, Project Management, or related field
Experience:
7–10+ years of combined experience in business development, sales, or operations management, including at least 3 years in a leadership role. Proven track record of generating significant new business and forming strategic partnerships. Experience in retail, travel, hospitality, FMCG or wellness sectors is a strong advantage; familiarity with airport operations is highly valued. Experience managing multi-location or retail outlets will help ensure operational readiness of expansions.
Skills
Strategic & Commercial Acumen Sales & Marketing Expertise Negotiation & Relationship Management. Operations Management Leadership & Project Management. Tech Savvy