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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive market adoption of innovative FRP solutions across Africa's infrastructure sectors.
- Company: Leading global manufacturer in advanced materials with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and benefits with high earning potential.
- Other info: High autonomy and strategic influence in a dynamic, growth-focused environment.
- Why this job: Lead the charge in transforming infrastructure with cutting-edge materials and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 8-12+ years in sales/business development, preferably in composites or advanced materials.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Africa (flexible – travel required)
Industry: Advanced Materials / Composites / Infrastructure
Salary: Competitive + bonus + benefits
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a leading global manufacturer of FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic) solutions who are expanding their commercial footprint across Africa. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on driving market adoption of FRP as a superior alternative to traditional materials such as steel, concrete, and timber across infrastructure, rail, utilities, and construction sectors. You’ll take ownership of commercial strategy, key accounts, and revenue growth across a diverse FRP product portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Strategy & Growth
- Define and execute the African commercial growth strategy for FRP products
- Drive revenue across key product lines including: FRP Manholes, Roofing Sheets, Water Tanks, Pipes, Rail & Transport Components, Stadium Seating
- Identify and penetrate markets where FRP offers clear technical and commercial advantages
- Build and manage relationships with: Government bodies, Infrastructure clients, OEMs, Tier 1 contractors
- Lead major tenders, RFQs, and framework agreements
- Develop long-term strategic partnerships across Africa
- Own pricing strategy and margin performance
- Promote life-cycle cost selling vs traditional price-based approaches
- Work closely with engineering teams to deliver value-engineered solutions
- Identify new applications and industries for FRP adoption
- Support the commercialisation of new products and innovations
- Translate market challenges (corrosion, theft, maintenance costs) into commercial opportunities
- Collaborate with marketing on positioning and lead generation
- Align with operations to ensure scalable delivery
- Contribute to investment and capacity planning decisions
Requirements
- Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field
- 8–12+ years’ sales/business development leadership experience in:
- Composites / advanced materials - FRP
- Infrastructure / rail / construction
- Manhole covers a bonus!
- Industrial or engineered products
- Contract negotiation
- Pricing strategy
- Tender management
Why This Role?
- Be at the forefront of material disruption in infrastructure
- Lead the adoption of FRP across major African markets
- High autonomy, strategic influence, and strong earning potential
Head of Business Development - Composites - Africa employer: Red Chilli Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Red Chilli Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development - Composites - Africa
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know in the composites and infrastructure sectors, the better your chances of landing that Head of Business Development role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with FRP solutions and how you've driven growth in previous roles. We want to see your passion for advanced materials shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tough questions! Brush up on your knowledge of the African market dynamics and be ready to discuss how you would tackle challenges like corrosion and maintenance costs. We need to know you can think strategically and offer innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you on board to lead the charge in FRP adoption across Africa!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development - Composites - Africa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Business Development. Highlight your experience in composites and advanced materials, especially any leadership roles you've had in driving market adoption.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about FRP solutions and how your strategic mindset can drive growth across Africa. Be specific about your achievements!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your successes in sales and business development within the infrastructure or composites sectors. We want to see how you've built relationships and led major tenders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Chilli Recruitment
✨Know Your FRP Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of FRP products and their advantages over traditional materials. Be ready to discuss specific applications in infrastructure, rail, and construction, as well as how they can solve common market challenges.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to define and execute commercial strategies. Think about past experiences where you've successfully driven revenue growth or penetrated new markets, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Research key players in the African market and understand their needs. If possible, connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn to gain insights and show that you're proactive about building relationships even before you step into the role.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect questions around pricing strategy, contract negotiation, and tender management. Think through your approach to these areas and be prepared to discuss how you've navigated challenges in the past, especially in the context of the African market.