Ropafadzo L.
Senior Business Development Manager
Open to offersNew to PlatformAbout
Ropafadzo L. is a seasoned Senior Sales/Business Development Manager and Consultant with over 25 years of experience spanning sales leadership, marketing strategy, and consulting across the oil & gas, petrochemical, chemicals, power generation, pulp & paper, minerals, and pharmaceuticals industries. With a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biochemistry, and coursework completed toward an MBA, Ropafadzo has held pivotal roles including Regional Business Development Manager at IGS Africa, Director at Tanaka Petroleum and Valsam Trading, and New Business Development Manager at Sasol Energy Southern Africa. He has managed multi-million dollar portfolios, driven business development, executed sales strategy in B2B markets, and delivered significant revenue growth. He is proficient in business and marketing plan development and has practical expertise in AI applications for marketing and publishing projects.
Experience
Independent Specialist Consultant
null · 2023 — PresentProvided specialized consulting services for international research firms, including GLG Group, USA. Developed marketing strategies and utilized AI tools for a children's book project while supporting cryptocurrency developers with business plan drafting, go-to-market strategies, and communication with investors.Regional Business Development Manager
IGS Africa (Pty) LTD · 2023 — 2023Implemented regional sales and business growth strategies across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Oversaw revenue generation and margin delivery through strategic account management and the development of new markets while leading the local business development team.Director
Tanaka Petroleum and Valsam Trading and Consulting · 2015 — 2022Crafted business and marketing plans that enabled clients to secure funding and partnerships. Oversaw business development, managed tender submissions, and coordinated petroleum supply contracts, while negotiating financing instruments and facilitating cross-border fuel and commodity trade.New Business Development Manager (Fuels and Lubricants)
Sasol Energy Southern Africa · 2011 — 2015Executed business plans and product strategies targeting fuels and lubricants. Maintained relationships with key accounts and managed product launches and OEM partnerships, while leading sales performance and marketing initiatives to increase market share.Sales Manager, Lubricants, Commercial
Sasol Energy Southern Africa · 2007 — 2011Oversaw national sales and account management for a lubricants portfolio exceeding ZAR 50M. Provided coaching and support to a sales team to foster growth and customer retention, in collaboration with technical teams to improve product performance and after-sales support.Product Manager (Lubricants and Polymers)
AECI- Lake International Technologies · 2002 — 2006Managed the sales and marketing of specialized lubricants and polymers within South Africa’s largest chemical entity. Focused on driving portfolio growth through innovative product development, pricing strategies, and supplier collaborations.Product Manager (Food and Fine Chemicals)
ASTRA Industries- ASTRA Chemicals · 2000 — 2002Oversaw the sales and marketing efforts for food and fine chemicals at a prominent listed chemical manufacturer. Worked on expanding product ranges and developing new markets to drive revenue.Medical Sales Representative
Pfizer- Pharmaceutical & Chemical Distributors · 1995 — 1996Promoted and sold the complete range of Pfizer pharmaceuticals to both public and private healthcare providers.
Skills & Expertise
Education
- MBA (Course work completed)Milpark Business School · — — 2007
- Bachelor of Science, Honours, Microbiology and BiochemistryUniversity of Kwa-Zulu Natal · — — 1993
- Bachelor of Science, Microbiology and BiochemistryUniversity of Kwa-Zulu Natal · — — 1992