Business Relationship Manager

Sales, Full-Time

Lagos, Nigeria [On-Site]

SmartChain Limited is Africa's leading Human Capital Services firm, specializing in workforce pipeline development and senior talent placement across the continent's most dynamic and high-growth markets. We partner with a diverse portfolio of organizations — from globally recognized enterprises and frontier-market firms to international development institutions and professional services organizations — to identify, attract, and place exceptional talent that drives lasting impact.

This mandate is being managed exclusively by SmartChain on behalf of a confidential client. Shortlisted candidates will receive a full client brief at the appropriate stage of the process.

Our client is a globally operating technology solutions provider with a significant and growing footprint across Africa. Trusted by some of the continent's largest enterprises in financial services, energy, telecoms, and government, they deliver end-to-end technology transformation — from cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity through to solution design and managed services — through deep partnerships with the world's leading OEMs.

This is a rare commercial leadership mandate. The organization is scaling aggressively in Nigeria and is looking for a Business Relationship Manager. This role is built for a pure hunter profile — someone who excels at opening doors, initiating high-value conversations, and uncovering real business problems.

If you have spent the last decade building credibility and client relationships across boardrooms in BFSI, oil & gas, telecoms, or government — and your network is a genuine competitive advantage — this role is worth your full attention.

Role Overview

  • Department: Sales
  • Reports To: Senior Manager, Enterprise Solutions Sales
  • Direct Reports: None
  • Employment Type: Full-Time Employee (FTE)
  • Location: Lagos, Nigeria [On-Site]
  • Core Mandate: Drive lead generation, solution positioning, and strategic account development.

What This Role Owns

  • The Business Relationship Manager owns the front-end of the sales funnel — from lead generation and lead qualification through discovery (understanding real business problems), deep strategic account development, and C-suite client engagement across Nigeria's most commercially significant sectors.
  • The successful candidate will own a structured sales pipeline, generate and qualify leads, manage OEM partner relationships, and serve as the primary commercial lead across target sectors including financial services, oil & gas, telecoms, and government.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Generation (Primary Focus)

  • Identify and target new enterprise clients across key sectors.
  • Proactively open doors through outbound outreach, networking, and referrals.
  • Build a consistent pipeline of new leads and opportunities.
  • Develop and execute account penetration strategies.
  • Ensure only high-potential, sales-ready leads are progressed.

Discovery & Problem Identification

  • Conduct structured discovery calls with clients and stakeholders.
  • Ask insightful, probing questions to uncover root business challenges, strategic priorities, and operational gaps and inefficiencies.
  • Document clear problem statements and opportunity summaries.
  • Map key stakeholders, influencers, and decision-makers.

Pre-Sales & Solution Positioning

  • Build early-stage relationships with senior stakeholders.
  • Establish credibility and trust during initial interactions.
  • Navigate complex client environments to identify key decision-makers.
  • Deliver compelling presentations and product demonstrations to senior enterprise audiences.

Pipeline Management

  • Maintain accurate tracking of all leads and opportunities in CRM.
  • Provide visibility on pipeline health and quality.
  • Ensure proper documentation of all discovery insights.

What You Bring

We are looking for a superstar. The word is used deliberately. This role demands someone who thrives in the front end of the sales cycle — opening conversations, asking the right questions, and uncovering the real problems behind what clients say they need. They combine sharp thinking with strong execution and consistently turn early-stage conversations into well-defined, high-quality opportunities.

Experience

  • 4–5+ years in business development, lead generation, or front-end enterprise sales.
  • Strong track record in hunting and opening new opportunities.
  • Experience conducting client discovery conversations.
  • Exposure to enterprise environments (BFSI, telecoms, oil & gas, government is a plus).

Skills & Competencies

  • Exceptional lead generation and prospecting skills.
  • Strong discovery and questioning ability.
  • Ability to uncover real business problems, not surface needs.
  • High curiosity and analytical thinking.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to structure ambiguous conversations into clear insight.
  • Familiarity with consultative frameworks (SPIN, Challenger, MEDDIC, etc.).
  • Basic understanding of enterprise technology solutions (cloud, SaaS, infrastructure).
  • CRM proficiency (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.).

What This Role Offers

  • Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with senior leadership calibre.
  • Exposure to enterprise clients and high-value opportunities.
  • Strong collaboration with senior commercial leadership.
  • Performance-driven environment with growth potential.

How to Apply

  • This role is being managed exclusively by SmartChain Limited. To apply, visit smartchainlimited.com/careers and complete the online application.
  • All applications are treated with strict confidentiality. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the SmartChain team for a briefing and initial assessment.
  • For senior-level enquiries, reach out to your SmartChain relationship contact directly.
  • Applications should be made on or before May 18, 2026, via smartchainlimited.com/careers.
  • Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. SmartChain is an equal opportunity employer.
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