Business Development Director

ABOUT THE COMPANY

4Life Solutions is an impact start-up. Our mission is to bring safe and affordable drinking water to the 2.2 billion people in the world who currently lack access to clean water.

JOB SUMMARY

About 4Life Solutions 4Life Solutions is pioneering climate-positive water purification solutions that empower communities with affordable, safe drinking water. Having built strong foundations in the NGO and emergency response sectors, we are now expanding into commercially sustainable models and partnerships to scale our impact across Africa. To fuel this ambitious growth, we are seeking a Business Development Director with entrepreneurial drive, strategic vision, and commercial expertise to accelerate revenue growth, establish high-impact partnerships, and develop innovative business models that ensure economically sustainable expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa.Role OverviewAs Business Development Director, you will be the architect of our commercial growth strategy, leading market expansion, securing game-changing partnerships, and driving revenue through out-of-the-box solutions. Reporting to the Africa Managing Director, you will develop and execute a scalable business model, ensuring 4Life Solutions is positioned as a leader in innovative, accessible water purification solutions. This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial and results-driven business leader who excels in navigating complex markets, building businesses from the ground up, and securing strategic partnerships that drive both profit and impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue Growth & Market ExpansionLead the commercial growth strategy, targeting corporates, retail distribution, microfinance networks, and institutional buyers.Develop new business concepts and models that increase accessibility and affordability of water purification solutions. Drive direct sales and B2B partnerships, aiming for $10M+ in revenue within two years. Identify and expand into high-potential African markets, leveraging data-driven insights and localized business models. Scale social franchising and micro-entrepreneurship models, empowering local distributors, women-led businesses, and community networks. Develop alternative financing mechanisms, including pay-as-you-go models, microfinance partnerships, and carbon credit-linked sales strategies. Think outside the box to build new business models and partnerships that drive both revenue and impact. Establish strategic alliances with corporations, financial institutions, retailers, and social enterprises to integrate our solutions into large-scale distribution networks.Develop innovative go-to-market approaches, such as social franchising, pay-per-use models, and lastmile distribution strategies. Secure high-value contracts and deals that unlock new revenue streams and ensure financial sustainability. Define 4Life Solutions’ commercial value proposition and market positioning, ensuring a competitive edge. Lead pricing strategy, sales operations, and financial forecasting to drive sustainable growth. Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to drive lead generation, market penetration, and brand visibility.Sales Execution & Key Account Management Lead sales execution, from pipeline development to deal closure. Build and manage a high-performance, entrepreneurial sales team, ensuring accountability and results. Establish and maintain relationships with large corporate buyers, FMCG distributors, institutional clients, and government agencies.Who you are:Strategic & Hands-On: Capable of both defining strategy and executing in the field, leading deals from conception to closure.Social Franchising & Alternative Finance Experience (Bonus): Familiarity with microfinance, carbon credits, pay-as-you-go financing, and impact investing is a plus.Innovative & Impact-Driven: Thrives in a fastpaced, high-growth environment, with a passion for scalable, climate-positive solutions.Growth & Revenue Leader: 10+ years in business development, sales, or partnerships, with a track record of scaling businesses, securing partnerships, and driving revenue growth.African Market Expert: Deep understanding of African markets, distribution networks, and last-mile business models.Partnership & Deal-Making Specialist: Strong B2B sales experience, with corporates, retailers, financial institutions, and development agencies.Entrepreneurial Business Builder: Proven ability to develop and execute business models that drive commercial success and social impact.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Forecasting, Business to Business (B2B) sales, Account management, Business performance monitoring, Market research, intelligence, Sales strategy, Business development

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree