Overview
Head of Business Development – Mobility (Rail, Bus & Electric Vehicles – SMC Composites) Jobs in Johannesburg Metropolitan Area at BFG Africa
Title: Head of Business Development – Mobility (Rail, Bus & Electric Vehicles – SMC Composites)
Company: BFG Africa
Location: Johannesburg Metropolitan Area
ROLE SUMMARY
BFG is seeking a commercially driven and strategically minded Business Development Leader to drive global growth across the Rail, Bus, and Electric Vehicle (EV) sectors, with a focus on advanced SMC composite solutions.
This role is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing high-value opportunities with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, battery manufacturers, and transport authorities. The successful candidate will position BFG as a preferred partner for lightweight, durable, and high-performance composite components, including next-generation EV battery enclosures and structural applications.
This is a senior leadership role with significant revenue responsibility and a mandate to expand BFG’s footprint in both traditional mobility and rapidly evolving electrification markets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Business Development
- Develop and execute a 3–5-years growth strategy across Rail, Bus, and EV segments
- Identify and develop new opportunities for SMC components in:
- Rail rolling stock and infrastructure
- Bus and coach manufacturing
- Interior and exterior transport components
- Electrification and lightweighting initiatives
- Electric Vehicle battery enclosures, covers, and structural components
- Build robust market intelligence on competitors, emerging technologies, and future mobility programs
Electric Vehicle (EV) Market Development
- Lead the development of BFG’s EV business, focusing on:
- Battery enclosures and protective covers
- Structural and semi-structural battery components
- Electrical insulation and thermal management solutions
- Establish relationships with:
- EV OEMs
- Battery manufacturers and integrators (cell-to-pack / pack assembly)
- Tier-1 automotive and system suppliers
- Position SMC as a superior alternative to metals and thermoplastics based on weight reduction, fire performance, durability, and cost efficiency
Sales & Market Expansion
- Originate and convert high-value opportunities with:
- Rail OEMs
- Bus & coach OEMs
- EV manufacturers and battery suppliers
- Tier-1 system suppliers
- Transport authorities and operators
- Manage the full sales lifecycle from prospecting to contract closure
- Lead commercial negotiations and secure long-term supply agreements
- Build and maintain a strong, qualified global sales pipeline
Customer & Relationship Management
- Develop and manage executive-level relationships with key stakeholders
- Represent BFG at international exhibitions, conferences, and industry forums
- Act as the “voice of the customer” to influence product development and innovation
Technical & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering, Production, and R&D teams to:
- Translate customer requirements into commercially viable solutions
- Support feasibility studies, costing, and project execution
- Develop EV-specific solutions addressing:
- Thermal management and insulation
- Fire resistance and safety (including thermal runaway scenarios)
- Structural integrity of composite components
- Support the preparation of technical proposals and commercial submissions
Market Positioning & Brand Growth
- Position SMC composites as a leading solution for:
- Lightweighting and energy efficiency
- Fire and smoke compliance
- Corrosion resistance and durability
- Sustainability and lifecycle cost reduction
- Battery safety and performance in EV applications
- Strengthen BFG’s brand as a global leader in advanced composite mobility solutions
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
- Exceptional networking and stakeholder engagement skills
- Advanced negotiation and contract management capability
- Ability to operate effectively at both executive and technical levels
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a results-driven approach
- Willingness to travel internationally (20–40%)
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
- National Diploma or bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, or Automotive) or Business, Marketing, or a related field. Postgraduate qualification / MBA will be an advantage
- 5–10+ years in Business Development or Sales Leadership roles
- Proven success in Rail, Bus, Automotive, or Electric Vehicle sectors
- Strong track record in selling engineered or composite solutions
- Demonstrated ability to win and manage large, complex international contracts
- Experience operating across Europe and North America is essential
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
Strong understanding of:
- Rail and bus OEM ecosystems
- Automotive and EV value chains
- Battery systems (modules, packs, enclosures)
- Tier-1 supply structures
- Transport and EV regulatory frameworks and compliance
- Lightweight materials and composite technologies (preferred)
For application: Kindly send your CV and qualification to: [email protected] or send your CV to the Human Resources Department.
CLOSING DATE: 15 May 2026
