About Spindle Design

Spindle is an innovation, design, and research firm working with organisations across Africa to build solutions grounded in real human needs and market dynamics. We combine research, human-centred design, and business strategy to help teams unlock innovation and improve existing work—translating lived realities into products, services, programs, and business models that succeed in practice.

About the role

Spindle Design is hiring an experienced Partnerships Manager to own the full business development cycle—from opportunity identification through to contract signature. You will play a key role in helping us scale human-centred innovation and research across Africa.

You are an excellent communicator and storyteller, a strategic thinker, and a creative problem solver. You enjoy connecting with people, shaping partnership pathways, and turning ideas into compelling proposals and funded work.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Partnership Development
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and programmatic leads within target NGOs and development organisations (e.g., UNICEF, Gates, CGAP, etc) or select corporates. Educating & engaging partners on Spindle’s value proposition
   • Develop targeted sector strategies aligned with Spindle’s capabilities and growth priorities in sectors like Health, Financial Inclusion, AI and Agriculture in Africa.
   • Develop and Submit Winning Proposals, leading the end-to-end proposal development process, including analysing opportunity requirements, writing technical proposals & coordinating internally.
2. Operations & Systems Management:
   • Implement & manage structured active pipeline management processes from lead generation through closing
   • Build and maintain a robust CRM system that provides visibility into our business development funnel to track interactions, follow-ups, and progress.
   • Establish metrics for monitoring the effectiveness of business development activities.
3. Strategic Planning & Execution:
   • Work closely with Spindle Design’s research and marketing teams to align business development strategies with company objectives.
   • Develop and execute business development plans, reporting on performance metrics and identifying areas for improvement.

4. Market Intelligence & Thought Leadership:

• Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and potential market shifts to identify new growth opportunities.
• Support marketing initiatives that enhance Spindle's market visibility and brand positioning
• Develop client success stories that can be leveraged for future partnership building

Essential Experience:

• 4+ years proven business development experience with demonstrable track record in proposal writing, & partnership management in the development or NGO sector
• Deep understanding of African markets, funding landscapes and business culture across multiple countries
• Strong personal network or demonstrated success in building relationships in at least 2 of our areas of focus in Africa - Agriculture, Health, Financial Inclusion & AI
• Prior experience as a researcher or designer is valued, as it equips candidates to clearly understand and communicate the methodologies and deliverables associated with our work.
• Compelling verbal and written communication skills