BDO South Africa is seeking a commercially driven and well-connected senior leader to take on the role of Director: Strategic Market Engagement. This role is focused on expanding the firm’s presence in key markets by building and leveraging strategic relationships that create access to new opportunities and strengthen BDO’s position within priority sectors. The successful candidate will operate at a senior level, engaging with executives, board members, and industry leaders, and play a key role in enabling business growth through targeted market engagement and opportunity development. This is a high-impact role suited to an individual who thrives in a relationship-led environment and is motivated by influence, access, and commercial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Market Development & Strategic Engagement

Develop and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders across priority sectors

Strengthen BDO’s visibility and positioning within relevant markets and industry platforms

Represent BDO at selected industry engagements, forums, and networking platforms

Build a strong external network that enhances access to decision-makers

Business Development & Opportunity Creation

Identify and develop new business opportunities aligned to the firm’s growth priorities

Facilitate strategic introductions between prospective clients and BDO leadership

Support the progression of opportunities into formal client engagements

Collaborate across service lines to maximise the value of opportunities

Market Insight & Intelligence

Gather insights on market trends, stakeholder movements, and sector developments

Contribute to shaping client targeting and business development initiatives

Identify opportunities to enhance BDO’s market presence through strategic initiatives

Relationship Management





Build and sustain long-term, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders

Ensure relationships are embedded within the firm

Maintain visibility of engagement activity and opportunity progression

Internal Collaboration

Work closely with leadership teams to align market activity with business priorities

Support collaboration across sectors and service lines

Contribute to a coordinated and consistent approach to market engagement

Leadership & People Management

Provide leadership and direction within market development to ensure alignment with the firm’s strategic priorities

Influence and guide internal stakeholders to effectively leverage relationships and convert business opportunities

Support the development of a relationship-driven and business focused culture across the firm

Act as a role model in stakeholder engagement, professionalism, and external representation

Contribute to knowledge sharing and capability building in business development and market engagement practices

Qualifications

Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Marketing, Finance, or a related field

Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA or equivalent) is advantageous

Experience

Minimum of 12-15 years’ experience in business development, market development, stakeholder engagement, or a similar commercially focused role

Demonstrated experience engaging with senior executives, board members, and industry stakeholders





Proven ability to build and leverage strategic relationships to support business growth

Experience within a professional services or advisory environment is advantageous

Requirements

Ability to operate credibly at executive and board level, with solid professionalism, discretion, and sound business judgement

Strong business development and commercial awareness, with the ability to identify and develop market opportunities

Advanced relationship-building, networking, and stakeholder management capability

Strong external market orientation and ability to represent the firm effectively in professional and industry environments

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders

Ability to work collaboratively across multiple stakeholders, teams, and functions to align to business priorities

Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives

Willingness and ability to travel for stakeholder engagement

Behavioural Competencies

Executive presence and credibility

Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership

Proactive and self-motivated

Strong interpersonal effectiveness and emotional intelligence

Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment

Sound judgement and professionalism

Ability to build trust and maintain long‑term relationships

Strong external market awareness and curiosity

Ability to influence without direct authority

Leadership presence within a matrix environment

BDO Core Competencies

Relationships and Collaboration

Exceptional Client Service

Business Growth

Engaging people

Leadership

Quality, Risk management and Operational performance

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📌 Director: Strategic Market Engagement (Newfoundland and Labrador)
🏢 BDO South Africa
📍 Newfoundland and Labrador