Position: Business Development Officer
A newly established microfinance institution is looking for a dynamic, results-oriented Business Development Officer to drive client acquisition, grow the loan portfolio, and champion the institution’s growth agenda in a competitive lending market.
Job Summary
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Sales
- Closing Date: 2026-10-06
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including corporate partnerships, payroll deduction schemes, and SME lending relationships.
- Grow and diversify the loan portfolio by sourcing, screening, and onboarding creditworthy individual and business clients.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with employers, associations, and other institutions to secure sustainable pipelines of business.
- Develop business and strategic plans, along with operational policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), to support the efficient, sustainable, and compliant management of the microfinance institution
- Design and execute marketing and client acquisition strategies to promote the institution’s loan products and expand its market footprint.
- Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify emerging opportunities, pricing gaps, and client needs.
- Assess client creditworthiness and structure loan proposals in line with the institution’s risk appetite and lending policies.
- Monitor portfolio quality and support collections, working closely with credit and recovery teams to keep arrears within acceptable limits.
- Actively market the institution’s loan products, supporting business growth and strong customer relationships.
- Support debt recovery efforts, follow up on outstanding arrears, and help ensure portfolio performance targets are achieved.
- Assess, process, and recommend loan applications, ensuring full alignment with internal policies and regulatory standards.
- Prepare regular reports on business development activity, pipeline conversion, and portfolio growth.
- Uphold the institution’s values of integrity and professionalism in every client interaction.
Requirements
- Degree in Business Studies, Marketing, Banking, Finance, or a related field.
- At least 2 years’ experience in business development, sales, or lending, preferably within microfinance or banking.
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding growth and sales targets.
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
- Sound understanding of credit risk principles and loan structuring.
- Self-driven and target-oriented, with the ability to work independently and under pressure.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Willingness to travel for client visits and business development activities.
How to Apply
Apply by email: limitsbs1@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Business Development Officer at a hardware company in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a diploma or degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field from institutions like UZ, MSU, or reputable private colleges. Practical experience in sales, even from informal trading or retail, is highly valued. Professional certifications in sales or marketing from ZIM or IPMZ can strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Business Development Officer in Zimbabwe's hardware sector?
You will identify new retail and wholesale clients, visit construction sites and hardware stores to pitch products, and maintain relationships with existing customers. Daily tasks include preparing quotations, following up on orders, and reporting sales activities to management. Travel within Harare, Bulawayo, or regional towns is often required.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for sales roles at Zimbabwean companies like Preeminence Hardware?
Employers expect high initiative, punctuality, and results-driven performance with minimal supervision. Dress codes are typically business casual, and personal vehicle use for client visits is common though fuel allowances vary. Building trust through face-to-face relationship management remains central to business culture here.
What career progression opportunities exist for Business Development Officers in Zimbabwe's hardware and construction supply industry?
With strong performance, you can advance to Senior Business Development Officer, Sales Manager, or Regional Sales Coordinator within three to five years. Some professionals transition into operations management or start their own distribution businesses. Continuous networking and proven revenue growth accelerate promotion timelines.
What benefits should I expect or negotiate for in a full-time sales position with a Zimbabwean employer?
Standard benefits typically include annual leave as per Zimbabwean labour law, limited medical aid coverage, and NSSA pension contributions. Sales roles often include performance-based incentives or commissions, though structures vary significantly by employer. Always confirm fuel, airtime, and vehicle allowances during interviews.
How should I apply for a Business Development Officer role, and what do Zimbabwean hardware employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit a concise CV highlighting measurable sales achievements and local market knowledge via email or in-person drop-offs as specified in the job advert. Employers prioritize candidates with existing client networks, proven negotiation skills, and familiarity with building materials or hardware products. Prepare to demonstrate how you can immediately contribute to revenue growth.
