Associate Director / Director – Business Development

About the role

Hawksford is building a commercial strategy that positions Mauritius as the conduit for Africa-linked capital, structures and clients. This is not a traditional business development role: it seeks a proven business originator who takes direct ownership of revenue generation and market development, and plays a central part in executing Hawksford's Africa growth strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Originate and convert cross-border mandates across corporate, funds and private client structures
• Build and activate intermediary-led deal flow across South Africa and broader Africa
• Position Hawksford as a go-to execution partner for Africa-linked structures via Mauritius
• Develop and execute a Mauritius-Africa corridor growth strategy
• Lead commercial discussions, proposals and negotiations
• Work with internal teams to make mandates executable and scalable
• Represent Hawksford in key Africa-focused forums and networks

Required profile

• A proven track record of originating and closing business, not just supporting it
• Direct ownership of pipeline and revenue generation
• An active, credible intermediary network (law firms, tax advisers, fund managers, sponsors)
• Strong experience across South Africa and/or broader African markets
• Exposure to Mauritius as a structuring jurisdiction, or the ability to operate credibly there
• Experience at a senior, client-facing level

What sets you apart

• A repeatable track record of closing cross-border mandates
• Ability to structure complex, multi-jurisdictional deals
• A strong reputation within African intermediary networks
• Commercial judgement balancing risk, pricing and execution viability