Business Development Manager at Methodist University Ghana

The University is inviting applications from results-oriented, competent and qualified persons for the position of BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The successful candidate will be required to manage the business and income generating ventures of the University across its campuses and sites. These include poultry farms and crop plantations at Wenchi, Akyem Swedru and Yeji, a fruit juice factory at Wenchi and a bakery at the Dansoman Campus. Specifically, the successful candidate will perform the following in relation to these income generating ventures:

Strategic Planning and Business Development

• Develop and implement strategic plans to grow all the University’s income-generating ventures.
• Identify new business and income generating opportunities that are aligned with the University’s mission and available resources.
• Conduct feasibility studies and market research to support business expansion and innovation.

Operational Management

• Oversee daily operations of all businesses and income generating ventures across the University to ensure high productivity, efficiency, quality and profitability.
• Coordinate all business activities to optimize resource utilization and standardize practices.
• Establish and enforce operational policies, safety standards, and quality control systems.

Financial and Budgetary Oversight

• Prepare annual budgets, revenue forecasts, and financial reports for all business and income generating activities.
• Monitor income and expenditure to ensure financial sustainability, profitability and growth.
• Identify cost-saving initiatives and maintain sound financial controls.

Sales, Marketing, and Partnerships

• Develop and execute marketing and sales strategies to enhance product visibility, profitability and revenue generation.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships and distribution channels.
• Forge partnerships with government agencies, private sector entities, and development organizations for market identification and business growth.

Human Resource and Team Management

• Lead and supervise unit heads and operational staff under the Business Development Unit of the University.
• Implement training and performance development programmes to build staff capacity and morale.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and a results-oriented culture among staff.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure all business operations comply with national regulations, environmental standards, and University policies.
• Monitor and improve product and service quality across all business lines.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and campus administrators to align business goals with institutional priorities.
• Represent the University in relevant business forums, stakeholder meetings, and public engagements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• At least a master’s degree in Business Administration, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience in enterprise development, agribusiness management, or a related field, with a proven track record of leading successful ventures.
• Strong leadership, organisational, administrative, problem solving and time and project management abilities.
• Results oriented and exhibit emotional intelligence
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, including budgeting, reporting, and cost control. 
• High sense of integrity and be above reproach.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Considerable experience working in an academic and/or multi-site institutional environment will be an advantage.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT        

The appointment is full-time. The successful candidate will be based at the Dansoman Campus, with oversight responsibilities for business and income generating ventures and enterprises of the University at the Wenchi, Tema, Akyem-Swedru, and Yeji campuses/sites. The role requires frequent travel and flexibility to work outside regular hours when necessary.