Business Development Manager

Company: IKOGWE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Job Location: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria Recruitment Coverage: Nationwide — Applications Welcome from All States in Nigeria Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site Experience Required: Minimum 5 Years Job Category: Business Development / Sales / Strategic Partnerships Reporting To: Managing DirectorIKOGWE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED is an established international education consultancy and student recruitment organisation incorporated in Nigeria in 2008, with an international presence in the United Kingdom through IKOGWE INTERNATIONAL UK LIMITED, a separately registered company based in Greater London.The organisation provides professional services in international student recruitment, overseas university and college admissions, study abroad consultancy, educational travel, student accommodation and related international education services.With operations in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, IKOGWE INTERNATIONAL is committed to expanding international educational opportunities, developing strategic institutional partnerships and delivering high-quality services to students, professionals and organisations.As part of our strategic expansion, we seek highly experienced, innovative and results-driven professionals to strengthen our Nigerian operations and support our long-term business growth.Position SummaryThe Business Development Manager will lead the development and implementation of business growth strategies, identify new commercial opportunities, establish institutional relationships, increase student recruitment, generate qualified leads, and improve client conversion rates.The role requires a strategic thinker, confident negotiator, and results-oriented professional capable of translating opportunities into sustainable revenue.The successful candidate will work closely with the Operations Manager to ensure that business opportunities are effectively converted into paying clients and successfully delivered services.Key ResponsibilitiesA.

Business Growth and Revenue GenerationDevelop and implement comprehensive business development and marketing strategies.Identify new markets, business opportunities and revenue streams.Generate qualified student recruitment leads and convert prospects into paying clients.Establish and maintain productive relationships with overseas universities, colleges, educational institutions and recruitment partners.Develop partnerships with secondary schools, corporate organisations, educational consultants and professional associations.Plan and execute student recruitment campaigns, educational exhibitions, school visits, seminars and webinars.Develop strategies to increase client acquisition, retention and customer satisfaction.Negotiate commercial agreements and institutional partnerships within approved authority.Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify new opportunities.Prepare business development plans, revenue projections and monthly performance reports.B. Digital Marketing and Customer Relationship ManagementLead digital marketing initiatives across relevant online platforms.Develop and monitor lead generation campaigns through social media, email marketing and other digital channels.Use CRM systems to monitor prospective clients, follow-up activities and conversion rates.Analyse marketing performance and recommend improvements.Work closely with the Operations Manager to establish effective customer follow-up and conversion procedures.Prepare accurate reports on enquiries, qualified leads, conversions, revenue and marketing effectiveness.C. Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation — IFES FoundationIdentify and engage potential donors, corporate sponsors, NGOs, philanthropic institutions and development partners.Develop strategic partnerships supporting education, child welfare, women and youth empowerment, and humanitarian assistance.Identify relevant grant opportunities and charitable funding programmes.Collaborate with the Foundation's Programme and Research Officer to prepare fundable project concepts, partnership proposals and sponsorship presentations.Support approved fundraising campaigns and institutional collaborations.Maintain professional relationships with Foundation stakeholders and development partners.All Foundation-related activities must comply with IFES Foundation's separate governance and financial accountability arrangements.Required Qualifications and ExperienceCandidates must possess:A Bachelor's degree or HND in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, International Relations, Management or a related discipline.A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in business development, sales management, institutional partnerships or commercial growth.Demonstrable experience generating revenue and achieving business development targets.Proven ability to develop and maintain profitable business relationships.Strong negotiation, communication, presentation and proposal-writing skills.Practical experience with CRM software, digital marketing and lead generation.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and business performance reporting.Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver measurable results.Added AdvantagesExperience in international education consultancy, student recruitment or overseas institutional partnerships.An MBA or recognised professional qualification in Business Development, Marketing or Management.Established professional networks within Nigeria's education or corporate sectors.Experience in NGO partnerships, fundraising, sponsorship development or donor engagement.Practical knowledge of international student recruitment markets and educational service delivery.Personal Attributes We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:Strong commercial awareness and entrepreneurial thinking.Exceptional leadership and initiative.Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.Confidence in negotiating with senior institutional representatives.A proactive, innovative and solution-oriented mindset.High professional integrity and accountability.Strong organisational and time management skills.The ability to perform effectively with minimal supervision.A genuine commitment to achieving business targets and organisational growth.Key Performance ExpectationsThe successful candidate will be assessed against agreed performance indicators, including:Monthly and quarterly revenue generation.Qualified leads generated and successfully converted into paying clients.New university, college and institutional partnerships established.Growth in student recruitment and commercial opportunities.Effectiveness of digital marketing and customer acquisition strategies.Development of credible Foundation sponsorship and donor partnerships.Achievement of agreed business development targets.Recruitment AssessmentShortlisted candidates will be required to demonstrate evidence of previous business development achievements.Finalists may be invited to present a practical 90-Day Business Development Action Plan, showing how they intend to generate business opportunities, increase student recruitment, establish strategic partnerships and achieve measurable growth.Location and Work ArrangementPrimary Duty Station: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.Applications are welcome from suitably qualified professionals across all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.Successful candidates must be willing to relocate to Benin City where necessary.This is a full-time, on-site position and not a remote role.RemunerationCompetitive remuneration commensurate with qualifications, relevant experience and demonstrated competence, with performance-related incentives subject to agreed employment terms.How to ApplyInterested candidates should submit:An updated professional CV.A cover letter explaining their suitability for the position.A summary of measurable business development achievements.Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications.Contact details of two professional referees.Application Email: recruitment@ikogwelimited.comEmail Subject: APPLICATION – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – IKOGWE INTERNATIONAL LIMITEDApplication Deadline: 27th November, 2026Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.IKOGWE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED is an equal opportunity employer committed to merit-based recruitment, professional excellence and organisational growth.IKOGWE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria