Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Hospitality/Travel
- Closing Date: 2026-09-10
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the Group’s commercial and business development strategy.
- Drive revenue growth across accommodation, conferencing, food & beverage and ancillary revenue streams.
- Lead business development initiatives across Corporate, Government, Parastatal, NGO, Travel Trade, Leisure, MICE and Digital market segments.
- Build, manage and grow strategic customer relationships and key accounts.
- Identify new business opportunities, strategic partnerships and revenue streams.
- Lead and develop a high-performing sales team focused on accountability and results.
- Provide commercial intelligence, market insights and revenue optimization strategies to Executive Management.
- Represent Cresta in building strategic relationships with key stakeholders, industry partners and customers.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales & Marketing, Commerce, Hospitality Management or a related field.
- A Master’s Degree in Business Administration or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years’ progressive experience in Business Development, Commercial Management, Sales or Revenue Management.
- At least 5 years in a senior leadership role with responsibility for revenue growth and commercial strategy.
- Proven track record of achieving revenue, occupancy, market share and profitability targets.
- Strong experience in key account management, contract negotiations and multi-segment sales strategy.
- Hospitality or service industry experience will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
Apply online: www.crestamarakanelo.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Group Head of Business Development role in Botswana’s hospitality sector?
A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality Management, or a related field is standard; many employers prefer a postgraduate qualification such as an MBA. Professional certifications like the Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP) or membership in the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) or Botswana Society of Engineers (BSE) — where relevant — add value, especially when aligned with strategic growth initiatives.
What does a typical day look like for a Group Head of Business Development in a Botswana-based hospitality group?
The role involves leading market analysis, forging partnerships with local tourism stakeholders (e.g., Botswana Tourism Organisation, regional DMCs), and coordinating cross-functional teams across hotels and lodges. Daily tasks include reviewing occupancy and revenue data from Opera PMS or similar systems, preparing board-level reports in line with Botswana’s National Development Plan priorities, and engaging with government agencies on licensing or investment incentives.
How does workplace culture in Botswana influence expectations for leadership roles like this one?
Respect for hierarchy, consensus-driven decision-making, and strong interpersonal diplomacy are essential — reflecting Botswana’s emphasis on botho (human dignity and respect). Leaders are expected to maintain visible presence across properties, engage respectfully with staff at all levels, and align business development goals with national values such as sustainability and community benefit, particularly in ecotourism-focused regions.
What realistic career progression paths exist after holding this role in Botswana’s hospitality industry?
Successful incumbents often progress to Group CEO or Managing Director roles within regional hospitality groups, or transition into advisory positions with entities like the Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority (BEDIA). Some pursue board appointments with state-linked tourism enterprises or establish boutique consultancy firms supporting SMEs entering the tourism value chain under the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act (CEEA).
What benefits are commonly offered for senior business development roles in Botswana’s hospitality sector?
Standard benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, medical aid through providers like Medshield Botswana or BONFIRE, and mandatory pension contributions under the Botswana Unified Pension Scheme (BUPS). Employers may also offer accommodation allowances, transport support, and paid leave for national events such as Presidents’ Day or Botswana Day, in line with local labour practice and the Employment Act.
How should I apply for this role, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are usually submitted via email or LinkedIn with a tailored CV highlighting experience in tourism market expansion, stakeholder engagement with Botswana authorities, and measurable revenue growth in similar markets. Employers prioritise candidates who demonstrate cultural fluency — including knowledge of local languages (Setswana), understanding of tourism regulatory frameworks (e.g., Tourism Levy Act), and proven ability to navigate public-private partnerships in Botswana’s development context.