Business Development & Stakeholder Management Lead

The role

We are seeking a Business Development & Stakeholder Management Lead to support and accelerate our business growth in Southern Africa. Based in Johannesburg, this role involves project origination, leading business development, capital raising, identifying new opportunities, and expanding Maki Planet Systems’ presence and client base in Southern Africa. You will work closely with our broader team across the globe, collaborating across various African jurisdictions and ensuring alignment with Maki’s global goals.

This role is integral to driving our mission forward, requiring frequent travel and engagement with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, local governments, NGOs, and indigenous groups. You will lead the charge in promoting our value proposition, overseeing commercial negotiations, and ensuring operational excellence in a rapidly growing sector.

3. About you

You are a strategic thinker with a strong track record in business development and Corporate Finance, perhaps within the ecology, land management, agriculture, or fire management industries. You are an experienced leader with at least five years in business development, coupled with three years in a leadership role. Your commercial acumen, ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, and experience in introducing new technologies or products to the market will set you up for success in this role.

Key capabilities include:

• Relationship Building: Ability to facilitate collaboration, build trusted partnerships, and overcome challenges.
• Results-Oriented: Creating a culture of delivery, connecting individual results to broader business, client, and community outcomes.
• Commercial Acumen: Financially savvy with the ability to make strategic decisions that drive business growth.
• Commitment to Growth: A growth mindset, proactive in seeking improvements, and inspiring others to achieve common goals.

Additionally, as our corporate headquarters are located in Australia, you must have the capability to work remotely, flexibly and independently.