[Hiring] Director of Business Consulting @Zealhr

Role Description

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Director of Business Consulting (Associate Partner) to take ownership of strategic client relationships while combining business development, consulting, solution design and delivery leadership. The successful candidate can be based in South Africa, Dubai or the UK. This individual will operate as a trusted partner to senior executives, identifying complex business challenges, shaping technology-enabled solutions and ensuring successful delivery through to ongoing managed services.

Responsibilities:

• Client Leadership & Strategic Consulting
  • Build and manage trusted relationships with senior executives, gaining a detailed understanding of their operational challenges, strategic priorities and digital transformation requirements.
  • Act as the senior client lead across key accounts, with an initial focus on developing a deep partnership with a strategic client over the first 12–18 months.
  • Diagnose complex business and operational challenges and translate them into clearly defined, value-based improvement opportunities.
  • Lead design-led workshops to assess and redesign complex business processes requiring automation, digitisation or data-driven solutions.
  • Provide strategic guidance throughout solution design, implementation and ongoing service delivery.
  • Build long-term partnerships based on measurable business outcomes rather than transactional project delivery.
• Business Development & Commercial Management
  • Introduce new client relationships and identify opportunities to expand existing accounts.
  • Originate opportunities outside traditional RFP processes by identifying client problems and developing compelling business and value cases.
  • Lead commercial discussions, negotiations and agreements with senior stakeholders.
  • Take responsibility for revenue targets and identify opportunities for additional services and long-term managed solutions.
  • Apply strong commercial judgement to outcome-based pricing, delivery complexity and associated commercial risk.
  • Leverage existing professional relationships and networks where appropriate to generate new business opportunities.
• Digital Solution Design & Delivery
  • Translate client requirements into technology-enabled solutions in collaboration with engineers, business analysts and technical specialists.
  • Lead the design of core solution components and oversee the implementation of digital transformation initiatives.
  • Define information and data requirements required to support clients’ digital and operational objectives.
  • Guide clients through cloud adoption challenges and support the implementation of cloud-based solutions.
  • Oversee Agile delivery across multiple projects and ensure critical deadlines and client outcomes are achieved.
  • Maintain a strong focus on delivering practical process automation and measurable operational improvements.
• Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams of technical specialists, engineers and business analysts.
  • Create clarity around client expectations, project priorities, commercial commitments and delivery outcomes.
  • Inspire teams through strong communication, trust and accountability while allowing individuals the space to learn and develop.
  • Protect delivery teams by effectively managing client challenges, expectations and escalations.
  • Foster an inclusive and supportive environment built on empathy, respect and collaboration.
  • Maintain detailed knowledge of client solutions and confidently respond to technical and commercial questions from senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years experience in a relevant field, including consulting, digital transformation, technology-enabled business improvement or related environments.
• Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Strong consulting experience with a proven track record of developing and managing complex senior client relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in mining and/or commodity-related operational improvement.
• Experience in supply chain and logistics digital process improvement, beyond traditional ERP implementations.
• Proven ability to originate opportunities, sell consulting or technology solutions and manage delivery through to successful client outcomes.
• Strong experience in business process improvement, data automation, digitisation and/or cloud-based solution design.
• Proven commercial acumen, including commercial negotiations, revenue management and outcome-focused engagements.
• Experience engaging senior executives and communicating complex recommendations and value propositions effectively.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing delivery within complex, fast-moving environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, critical deadlines and significant client expectations independently.

Advantageous Experience

• An established network of senior commercial relationships that could support new business development.
• Experience with bespoke software, cloud platforms, automation or data-driven transformation programmes.
• Experience designing and implementing solutions within complex mining, commodities, supply chain or logistics environments.
• Strong knowledge of Agile delivery methodologies.
• Experience with outcome-based commercial models rather than traditional time-and-materials engagements.
• International or cross-border consulting and client management experience.

Key Competencies

• Executive relationship management: Builds credibility and trusted partnerships with senior decision-makers.
• Commercial leadership: Identifies opportunities, originates deals and takes accountability for revenue and commercial outcomes.
• Strategic problem-solving: Diagnoses complex operational challenges and develops practical, bespoke solutions.
• Consultative selling: Converts business problems into compelling value propositions without relying solely on formal RFP processes.
• Delivery leadership: Remains accountable beyond the sale, ensuring solutions are successfully implemented and deliver measurable value.
• Leadership and empathy: Inspires followership while creating a respectful, supportive and high-performing team environment.
• Intellectual curiosity: Develops a detailed understanding of solutions, technologies, industries and client environments.
• Communication: Delivers clear and impactful messages to senior executives, technical specialists and delivery teams.
• Ownership: Takes personal accountability for client outcomes, delivery complexity and commercial commitments.