Business Development Officer

Octagon Africa is seeking a driven and commercially astute Business Development Officer to join its growing team. This role sits at the intersection of sales strategy, client relationship management, and digital marketing — making it ideal for a financial services professional who thrives in a results-oriented environment. You will be a key contributor to the organisation's revenue growth agenda by identifying and converting new market opportunities while nurturing existing client portfolios.

Operating within Kenya's dynamic financial services landscape, you will leverage your industry knowledge, CRM proficiency, and regulatory awareness to build a robust pipeline, deliver compelling client presentations, and ensure full compliance with industry standards. This is a high-impact individual contributor role with clear performance targets and visibility at the management level.

• Execute direct and digital marketing strategies — including social media campaigns and targeted email marketing — to generate qualified leads and increase brand visibility.
• Conduct thorough market research and competitor analysis to identify emerging opportunities and inform strategic positioning.
• Deliver professional client presentations and proposals that clearly articulate Octagon Africa's value proposition within niche financial services markets.
• Build, manage, and grow long-term client relationships, ensuring high satisfaction, retention, and identification of cross-selling opportunities.
• Oversee the end-to-end client onboarding process, ensuring a seamless and professional experience from first contact to activation.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer databases and CRM records to support pipeline tracking and reporting.
• Prepare and submit regular activity reports, performance dashboards, and business acquisition updates to management.
• Ensure all business development activities comply with relevant insurance and financial services regulations and internal risk policies.
• Identify and escalate potential operational risks, coordinating with legal and compliance teams as necessary.
• Develop and manage a credible prospect pipeline to meet weekly, monthly, and annual revenue targets.

• Demonstrate at least 3 years of hands-on business development or sales experience within the financial services sector — you must show a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
• Hold a valid Certificate of Proficiency in Insurance (C.O.P); candidates with a Diploma in Insurance will have a distinct advantage.
• Use CRM tools effectively to manage pipelines, track client interactions, and produce accurate forecasts.
• Communicate complex financial products clearly and persuasively — both in writing and in client-facing presentations.
• Apply competitor analysis frameworks to continuously refine go-to-market strategies.
• Manage competing priorities independently, meeting deadlines without requiring constant supervision.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of risk management practices and regulatory compliance within Kenya's financial services industry.
• Leverage digital marketing channels — particularly social media and email — to support lead generation efforts.

Octagon Africa offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience. The estimated monthly gross salary for this role ranges from KES 80,000 to KES 140,000, depending on qualifications and demonstrated track record. This is supplemented by a performance-based incentive structure tied to revenue targets, giving high performers significant earning potential above the base.

Ideal candidate: You are a self-motivated sales professional with a minimum of 3 years in financial services business development. You understand the insurance or pension landscape in Kenya, hold your C.O.P certification, and are confident managing a full sales cycle — from lead generation to close. You are data-driven, digitally savvy, and can articulate a value proposition with clarity and conviction.

Do not apply if: You have no prior experience in financial services or insurance, do not hold or are not currently pursuing a C.O.P certification, or are looking for a purely administrative role with no sales accountability. This role requires active prospecting and consistent target delivery — it is not suitable for candidates who prefer reactive, inbound-only roles.

• Prepare an updated CV highlighting your business development achievements, revenue targets met, and any insurance or financial services certifications held.
• Write a brief cover letter (one page maximum) explaining why you are the right fit for this role at Octagon Africa and what specific results you have delivered in previous positions.
• Submit your application through the Octagon Africa careers portal or the job platform where this posting appears.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview, followed by a competency-based panel interview.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of applying, consider your application unsuccessful for this cycle.