Business Development Manager - East Africa

Overview

RateHawk, part of the Emerging Travel Group alongside ZenHotels and Roundtrip, operates in over 220 markets worldwide, focused on delivering innovative and accessible travel products. The company seeks a Business Development Manager based in Kenya to bolster sales, foster strategic partnerships, and grow the client base while strengthening existing relationships in the local market. This role offers remote work flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and execute sales strategies to achieve growth and increase market presence in the designated territory.
• Recruit new partners such as tour operators, travel agencies, TMCs, and OTAs, and deliver comprehensive system trainings.
• Maintain strong, long-term partnerships with both new and existing clients.
• Manage partner accounts including providing primary support.
• Conduct follow-ups with existing partners to offer additional training and explore collaborative improvements.
• Negotiate, finalize, and oversee commercial agreements, ensuring proper documentation and technical integration.
• Supervise partners’ adherence to contractual terms including payment processes.
• Devote about half of working hours to business travel, attending meetings, industry, and client events.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activities actively.
• Provide regular detailed reports using CRM and internal systems.
• Initiate and develop API-based partnerships with potential and current collaborators.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum three years of proven success in end-to-end sales within the travel sector, emphasising B2B business development and account management.
• Strong understanding of the East African travel ecosystem including key B2B networks.
• Fluent English communication skills; additional languages beneficial.
• Willingness and availability to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Analytical aptitude with a strong reliance on data-informed decisions and numerical competence.
• Self-driven, goal-oriented, adaptable, collaborative, and tech-savvy in a dynamic business context.
• International perspective and cultural agility to operate within ETG’s global footprint.
• Experience with API technology deals is advantageous.

Additional Information

Visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours and the option to work remotely.
• A passionate, supportive team environment fostering mutual growth and recognition.
• Internal initiative programs focused on onboarding, soft skills development, and leadership training.
• Partial reimbursement available for external training and conference participation.
• Access to corporate English language classes including group sessions and speaking clubs with international colleagues.
• Discounted rates on hotels and travel services.
• A special 'MyTime Day Off' granting an additional paid leave day.