SME Development Consultant

Passionate about shaping small manufacturing businesses?

We’re looking for a hands‑on consultant with a passion for SME and small business development to help entrepreneurs strengthen strategy, operations, and profitability. If you enjoy working closely with entrepreneurs and corporates to grow SMEs to turn real‑world challenges into practical, scalable solutions that unlock jobs, and build a globally competitive economy, then this role is for you!

Our purpose is to build dignity and opportunity through a production‑led economy. This means making South Africa a globally competitive manufacturing hub. We do this by partnering with leading companies on value chain and business transformation programmes, and with governments to develop smart industrial policies and facilitate innovative sector development programmes.

This is a dynamic role where you will work as part of a team that finds, develops and links SME’s to commercial opportunities, unlocking growth and driving meaningful change in South Africa.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying and recruiting high‑potential SMEs and assessing their readiness.
• Engaging corporates to understand needs, market opportunities, and standards.
• Helping firms craft and communicate compelling value propositions and business cases to secure sales with large customers and investors.
• Diagnosing barriers to growth and coordinating bespoke development projects to improve competitiveness.
• Collaborating with technical partners to deliver targeted support and solutions.
• Contributing to programme adaptations and improvements motivated by evidence‑based outcomes.
• Monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on progress
  , and recommending improvements for greater impact.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on variety and problem‑solving, and who wants to learn, grow, and make a tangible difference in South Africa’s business landscape.

• You want to make a difference in South Africa through employment and economic growth.
• You are positive, optimistic and energetic – an ambassador of possibility.
• You are an independent thinker, with a bias for action.
• You have good business acumen – an intuitive understanding of commercial pressures, incentives, challenges and opportunities for businesses.
• You are socially adaptable – the ability and desire to engage with people from different socioeconomic backgrounds and in different environments, from boardroom to factory.
• You are an outgoing person with excellent language and communication skills – you have no problem picking up the phone and calling a stranger to move forward with a task.
• You have an intellectual curiosity, see yourself as a learner and find yourself independently learning about topics that fascinate you.
• You don’t mind working hard, while having fun at work.

• 3+ years management consulting, enterprise and supplier development, or similar experience.
• Minimum post graduate Honours degree from a leading academic university.

• Experience working with Small and Medium Enterprises.
• Knowledge of manufacturing sectors and corporate buyers.

Working at BMA comes with some important benefits:

• Private drive, social impact. We're a private company working to improve society through industrialisation. We like the balance between the pace of the private sector and the social value our work brings.
• Flexible workplace policy, allowing you to work from home, the office and/or  encourage you to strike the right balance between undisturbed deep work, collaboration and social engagement.
• Discretionary awards and bonuses. We recognise and reward performance. If you impress, you can grow quickly with us.
• Uniquely collaborative and fun working environment. We have a cool induction programme to rapidly immerse you in our world, and a rhythm of huddles which aligns the whole company, includes fun themes and games, and celebrates the wins we achieve every week.

To apply, please click on the link provided and you will be directed to our screening platform where you will be required to answer some basic questions, take 3 10‑minute tests, upload your CV with contact details and complete a 2 minute video. This process will take you about 40 minutes.

BMA is an Equal Opportunity employer and preference will be given to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals as described in the Employment Equity Act.

Good Luck!