Mankitla Lydia Felix
Business Development Manager/ Customer Success Manager
Johannesburg
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven executive with over 14 years of experience in business development, strategic advisory, and commercial diplomacy, specializing in African markets. Proven track record in leading regional operations, establishing key partnerships, and driving revenue growth across diverse sectors such as energy, extractive industries, technology, transportation/logistics, and creative industries. Expertise lies in navigating complex commercial landscapes, fostering relationships between governmental and private sectors, and executing high-impact market entry strategies. Fluent in English and multiple African languages, complemented by extensive travel experience throughout the region.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2016
2016
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Languages
Work History
Business Development Manager
Bolt
11.2024 - Current
- Spearhead regional business expansion efforts, driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships in transportation and logistics.
- Develop key market entry strategies and oversee high-value negotiations with government and corporate stakeholders.
- Identify and cultivate new business opportunities, leading to the acquisition of Tier 1 and Tier 2 clients across Africa.
- Identified and nurtured business opportunities across the African market.
- Negotiated high-value deals with government and corporate stakeholders.
Business Development Manager
Netstar
05.2022 - 03.2023
- Justified the value of complex telematics and fleet solutions using advanced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Total Contract Value (TCV) models, supporting clients’ investment decisions with clear ROI analysis.
- Managed and influenced stakeholders within the buying centre, identifying key decision-makers and building consensus to accelerate deal closures.
- Applied consultative solution selling methodologies, using probing techniques to uncover clients’ needs, pains, and desired gains (NPG) and position tailored solutions.
- Practiced active listening to understand business challenges in depth, creating proposals that addressed both explicit and implicit requirements.
- Evaluated and communicated the consequences of client alternatives, including maintaining the status quo, to establish urgency and drive action.
- Articulated unique selling propositions, linking product benefits directly to client objectives and differentiating solutions from competitors.
- Created persuasive executive summaries and solution proposals, simplifying complex offerings to support clear and confident client decisions.
- Generated and developed new business leads through proactive networking and relationship building, consistently maintaining a healthy sales pipeline.
- Managed project delivery and supported cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Partnered with clients to define requirements accurately and deliver excellent service throughout the sales and onboarding process.
Customer Success Manager - Africa
APO Group
06.2021 - 04.2022
- Manage a portfolio of accounts to achieve long-term success.
- Develop positive relationships with existing clients.
- Act as the point of contact and handle clients' individual needs.
- Generate new business opportunities within existing client accounts.
- Resolve conflicts and provide solutions to clients in a timely manner.
- Report on the status of accounts and sales opportunities.
- Monitor sales metrics (e.g., quarterly sales results and annual forecasts).
- Suggest actions to improve sales performance and identify opportunities for growth.
- Liaise with PR and media relations team to support timely delivery of projects.
- Utilize on-line NetSuite CRM to maintain up-to-date client profiles, sales opportunities, and forecasts.
Senior Business Development Manager - Global
TerraMar Networks
08.2017 - 03.2021
- Directed African market expansion for fleet and asset management solutions, establishing strong reseller and distributor networks.
- Advised international clients on regulatory compliance and strategic market entry in multiple African countries.
- Led key account management, driving sustained revenue growth and long-term business success.
- Help design strategic and tactical market plans to develop the Company's business.
- Conduct market research to improve the Company's understanding of customer and market requirements and to help predict future trends, including by attending relevant sector forums and trade events and by collecting reseller and customer feedback.
- To advise on opportunities for new product development to meet market needs.
- Created business growth plans, increasing business turnover by %.
- Maintained excellent client relationships by providing excellent and attentive after-sales support.
Business Development Manager
Globaltrack
08.2016 - 07.2017
- Developed and executed go-to-market strategies for telematics solutions across Southern and East Africa.
- Sales Activity: Managing and maintaining a healthy sales pipeline Structuring deals within set standards Updating Line Manager weekly based on results.
- Upselling: Create a planned overview.
- Fuel package, Peripherals, Supply & Maintenance, Recovery, Bureau Services, Extended Warranty & Training Identify solutions.
- Identifying opportunities/gaps Build a good working relationship with NGOs to identify bottlenecks, challenges within all NGO's.
- Understand new products and systems and new products version releases.
- Understand client requirement.
- Feedback to Research and Development and be involved during designs sprints.
- Develop and share a quarterly strategy for NGO's markets worked on.
- Keep in touch with existing clients/NGOs on a weekly basis Capture details on Salesforce.
- Have an adequate understanding on the following company processes to deal with disgruntled or unhappy customers to resolve issues timeously such as: Installations process Finance/billing process Research and Development process; etc.
- Upskilling: Implement the relevant training needs and requirements of customers and individuals including new clients existing clients, and internal staff members of GT Africa.
Account Manager - Africa
Tracker Africa
08.2010 - 02.2016
- Managed strategic accounts across multiple African countries, delivering tailored solutions for fleet and risk management.
- Executed impactful sales strategies, enhancing brand visibility and client engagement.
- Developed tailored solutions, fostering strong relationships with resellers and clients.
- Identified new business opportunities, expanding client base and increasing revenue.
Education
Certificate in Sales and Marketing -
University of Cape Town
Btech Degree - Public Management
Tshwane University of Technology
NDip - Public Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
High school diploma - undefined
Berlin Brandenburg International School
GED - undefined
International School of Geneva
Skills
Customer Engagement
Timeline
Business Development Manager
Bolt
11.2024 - Current
Business Development Manager
Netstar
05.2022 - 03.2023
Customer Success Manager - Africa
APO Group
06.2021 - 04.2022
Senior Business Development Manager - Global
TerraMar Networks
08.2017 - 03.2021
Business Development Manager
Globaltrack
08.2016 - 07.2017
Account Manager - Africa
Tracker Africa
08.2010 - 02.2016
Btech Degree - Public Management
Tshwane University of Technology
NDip - Public Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
High school diploma - undefined
Berlin Brandenburg International School
GED - undefined
International School of Geneva
Certificate in Sales and Marketing -
University of Cape Town
Similar Profiles
AMIR AL-SABBAGHAMIR AL-SABBAGH
Bolt Operator at BoltBolt Operator at Bolt
Kristína CailleKristína Caille
Interim Expansion People Partner at BoltInterim Expansion People Partner at Bolt
Thokozile MziziThokozile Mzizi
Driver at BoltDriver at Bolt
Thai Son TieuThai Son Tieu
CS Operations Agent at BoltCS Operations Agent at Bolt
Elizabeth ManoElizabeth Mano
After-School Care Provider at Volunteer WorkAfter-School Care Provider at Volunteer Work