SMME Manager (NPO) - R900K - R1.2m

Introduction

An NPO client is looking to recruit an SMME Manager that will be responsible for managing and delivering programmes that support the development, growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The role involves identifying and recruiting eligible SMMEs, managing a portfolio of clients, conducting business needs assessments, and providing tailored advisory, coaching, and capacity-building support. The SMME Manager facilitates access to funding (through programmes), procurement, and market opportunities; assists with business plans, funding proposals, grant applications, and account reviews; and coordinates training, mentoring, and enterprise-development initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, recruit, and onboard eligible SMMEs for internal enterprise-development programmes

• Conduct business needs assessments and develop tailored support plans for participating SMMEs

• Provide practical business advisory and coaching support in areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing, operations, compliance, and growth

• Guide SMMEs in preparing business plans, grant applications, budgets, and supporting documentation.

• Facilitate access to internal funding programmes, grants, and other approved enterprise-development support.

• Coordinate training workshops, mentoring, coaching, and capacity-building initiatives.

• Support SMMEs in identifying and accessing procurement, supplier-development, and market opportunities.

• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with SMME beneficiaries and programme stakeholders.

• Coordinate with internal departments and external service providers to deliver effective support to SMMEs.

• Monitor the progress, performance, and development of participating SMMEs and implement corrective support where necessary.

• Maintain accurate records of SMME participation, support activities, funding applications, grant utilisation, and programme outcomes.

• Prepare regular reports on programme performance, SMME progress, challenges, risks, and impact.

• Conduct research on market trends, regulatory developments, and opportunities relevant to SMMEs.

• Promote entrepreneurship and programme participation through outreach, networking, and stakeholder-engagement activities.

• Ensure that programme activities, grant processes, and records comply with organisational policies, funding requirements, and applicable legislation.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Commerce, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Development Studies, Finance, or a related field.

• A postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.

• Relevant professional certifications in business development, project management, or enterprise development are desirable.

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in enterprise development, business advisory services, entrepreneurship support, economic development, or SME/SMME programme management.

• Experience working with entrepreneurs, business incubators, government programmes, corporate funders or development finance institutions is advantageous.

Package & Remuneration

R900K - R1.2m negotiable