Business Development Manager
Bolt Kenya
Quick Take
You will spend your days hunting and closing corporate clients for Bolt's B2B product, managing relationships with HR and procurement decision-makers, and driving the Kenya B2B sales pipeline from prospecting through contract negotiation.
At least 4 years of B2B sales or business development experience, a strong existing network in Nairobi's corporate sector, and a proven track record of hitting or exceeding sales targets.
A competitive above-market salary of up to KES 220,000/month, the prestige and global resources of one of the world's fastest-growing mobility companies, and high-impact ownership of Bolt's Kenya corporate growth strategy.
Job Description
Bolt is a rapidly expanding mobility platform with a presence in more than 45 countries worldwide. As part of their continued growth in East Africa, the company is looking to bring on board a Business Development Manager based in Nairobi to spearhead corporate sales efforts under the Bolt for Business product line.
In this role, you will be at the forefront of building and scaling Bolt's B2B commercial footprint in Kenya. You will be responsible for everything from identifying prospective corporate clients to closing deals and nurturing long-term partnerships that drive sustained revenue growth.
- Actively prospect, engage, and convert corporate accounts into Bolt for Business clients
- Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key decision-makers in HR, administration, and procurement departments across target organisations
- Design and implement a comprehensive B2B sales strategy for the Kenyan market, including pipeline development and management
- Lead contract negotiations and oversee the seamless onboarding of newly acquired corporate clients
- Work closely with the marketing and operations teams to plan and execute campaigns and promotional initiatives aimed at the corporate segment
- A minimum of four years of hands-on experience in B2B sales or business development
- An established and active professional network within Nairobi's corporate landscape
- A demonstrated history of consistently achieving or surpassing set sales targets
- Prior experience working within the mobility, technology, or SaaS industries is an added advantage
- Strong skills in client presentations, stakeholder engagement, and commercial negotiation
This position is best suited for a commercially driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced, target-oriented environment. If you have a solid grasp of the Nairobi corporate market, a proven ability to open doors and close deals, and a genuine passion for the intersection of technology and mobility, this opportunity is tailored for you. Candidates who have previously sold SaaS or tech-enabled services to enterprise clients will have a distinct advantage. You should be self-motivated, highly organised, and comfortable working cross-functionally with internal teams to deliver results.
Interested candidates should submit their applications through Bolt's official careers platform or via the job listing on which this position is advertised. Ensure your CV clearly highlights your B2B sales track record, relevant industry experience, and any notable corporate accounts or partnerships you have previously managed.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- 4+ years of B2B sales or business development experience
- Established network across Nairobi's corporate sector
- Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets
- Strong contract negotiation and closing skills
- Excellent presentation and communication skills
Nice to Have
- Experience in mobility, tech, or SaaS industries
- Familiarity with HR, admin, or procurement buying cycles
- Experience building and executing a B2B go-to-market strategy
- Existing relationships with large Nairobi-based enterprises
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Salary Context
Above market rate for a Business Development Manager in Nairobi
Business Development Managers in Nairobi typically earn between KES 80,000 and KES 160,000 per month depending on industry and seniority, making Bolt's range of KES 150,000–220,000 notably competitive and skewing toward senior-level compensation. Pay in this field is heavily influenced by the employer's industry (tech and mobility command premiums), the size of the sales targets managed, and whether commission or performance bonuses supplement the base.
About Bolt Kenya
Bolt is a global mobility super-app offering ride-hailing, electric scooters, food delivery, and corporate transport solutions across 45+ countries and over 500 cities worldwide. In Kenya, Bolt has established itself as a major player in Nairobi's ride-hailing market, competing directly with Uber and offering drivers and riders a strong local alternative. For professionals in tech and growth industries, Bolt offers the rare combination of a globally backed platform with genuine on-the-ground impact in African markets.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Walk us through a complex B2B deal you closed — how did you identify the opportunity, navigate multiple stakeholders, and get it over the line?
- 2
How would you build Bolt for Business's corporate pipeline from scratch in Nairobi — which sectors would you prioritise and why?
- 3
Describe a time you missed a sales target. What happened, what did you learn, and how did you course-correct?
- 4
How do you typically approach a cold outreach to a Head of HR or Procurement at a large Nairobi corporation?
- 5
How would you differentiate Bolt for Business from competitors like Uber for Business when pitching to a potential corporate client?
Application Tips
Quantify your sales achievements prominently on your CV — specific numbers such as revenue generated, number of accounts closed, or percentage above target will immediately signal you meet the 'track record' requirement.
Highlight any experience selling to HR, admin, or procurement functions specifically, as these are the exact buyer personas Bolt calls out — even indirect experience managing these relationships is worth surfacing.
If you have a network in high-value corporate sectors (banking, FMCG, NGOs, manufacturing), name them in your cover letter — Bolt is buying your contacts as much as your skills, and signalling a warm pipeline sets you apart from candidates who are starting cold.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Salary range of KES 150,000–220,000 is transparently stated and sits above the typical market rate for this role in Nairobi, signalling a serious employer.
- Bolt is a globally recognised, well-funded brand with proven operations in Kenya, reducing the risk of company instability common with early-stage startups.
- Ownership of the Kenya B2B strategy offers genuine seniority and visibility — this is a builder role with real scope, not just an execution position.
- Operating in the high-growth corporate mobility space gives the successful candidate transferable experience in a sector that is expanding rapidly across African markets.
Watch Out
- The posting does not mention commission structure or performance bonuses, which is unusual for a sales-focused role at this level — candidates should clarify during interviews whether the KES 150,000–220,000 is base only or total compensation.
- The responsibilities are broad — owning strategy, pipeline, negotiation, onboarding, and cross-functional collaboration — which may indicate a lean team where the BDM is expected to operate without significant sales support or SDR resources.
A Day in the Life
A typical week starts with reviewing your B2B pipeline in a CRM tool like Salesforce or HubSpot, prioritising follow-ups with two or three corporate prospects who are close to signing. Midweek, you might pitch Bolt for Business to the HR director of a large bank in Upper Hill, walking them through employee transport cost savings, then debrief with the marketing team on a joint campaign targeting Westlands-based corporates. By Friday, you're onboarding a newly signed logistics company, coordinating with operations to ensure their account is live, while updating your monthly sales forecast ahead of a check-in with regional leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to apply for the Business Development Manager role at Bolt Kenya?
You need at least 4 years of B2B sales or business development experience, a strong corporate network in Nairobi, and a clear track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets. Experience in mobility, tech, or SaaS is an advantage but not mandatory.
Is the Business Development Manager role at Bolt Kenya remote or office-based?
The role is based in Nairobi with no remote or hybrid arrangement mentioned in the posting, and given its focus on in-person corporate relationship-building across the city, candidates should expect a primarily on-site or field-based role.
How much does a Business Development Manager earn at Bolt Kenya?
Bolt Kenya is offering KES 150,000–220,000 per month for this role, which is above the typical Nairobi market rate for a BDM. Candidates should confirm during interviews whether this figure is base salary only or includes any commission or performance bonuses.
What are the career growth opportunities after the Business Development Manager role at Bolt Kenya?
Strong performers in this role are well-positioned to move into a Head of Commercial or Commercial Director position covering Kenya or the broader East Africa region, and the strategic ownership of this role also builds a credible path toward a Country Manager or General Manager track.
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