Business Development Manager – Automotive Fleet Leasing

About the role

The Business Development Manager will build and run a safe, compliant, and commercially disciplined automotive fleet operation in Côte d'Ivoire. The role combines hands‑on commercial leadership with managerial, administrative and supervisory responsibilities, reporting to the Group Head of Automotive Business.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the country business plan, covering fleet growth, revenue, profitability, utilization, and cash‑flow targets while monitoring performance and taking corrective actions.
• Lead negotiations and approvals of client agreements, manage strategic customer relationships, and oversee contract structuring, renewals, and dispute resolution.
• Direct vehicle acquisition, deployment, disposal, and fleet utilization, ensuring roadworthiness, GPS monitoring, preventive maintenance, and asset recovery.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, monthly results, and control operating costs, working capital and FX exposure; supervise local accounting, payments, procurement and statutory filings.
• Build and maintain relationships with local banks, financial institutions and regulators, participating in financing arrangements to support fleet expansion.
• Recruit, lead and develop a high‑performing local team, applying Group HR policies and local labour law.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Logistics or related field; Master’s or MBA preferred.
• Bilingual in English and French (spoken and written).
• 7+ years progressive experience in fleet leasing, automotive, mobility or asset finance, including 5+ years in a general‑management or country‑leadership role with full P&L responsibility.
• Proven track record of scaling a business in West Africa or a comparable emerging market, with experience managing contract‑based asset portfolios, credit risk, collections and asset recovery.