General Manager, Marketing and Sales

Position details

The General Manager leads Skyvertise's business in Nigeria from Lagos, with full responsibility for marketing, sales and local delivery, and reports to the Chief Executive Officer at the Dubai head office.

About Skyvertise

Skyvertise is a drone light show and aerial advertising company, founded in 2023. It designs and delivers shows for brands, festivals, landmark events and private celebrations, and handles permits, logistics, set-up and live operations for each show.

Role purpose

The General Manager will establish and grow Skyvertise in Lagos. The role wins clients, builds the brand in the local market, and makes sure every show is permitted, safe and profitable.

Target clients include brands and advertising agencies, event and festival organisers, real estate developers, government bodies, and private clients planning weddings and celebrations.

Key responsibilities

Strategy and market entry

• Develop and execute the go-to-market plan for Nigeria, starting in Lagos and extending to Abuja and other cities
  

• Set pricing, show packages and revenue targets for the Nigerian market, with head office approval
  

• Prepare the annual business plan and budget, and manage the Nigeria profit and loss account
  

• Track competitors, client demand and the events calendar, including national holidays, the festive season, concerts and product launches
  

Sales and revenue

• Win show contracts from brands, advertising and experiential agencies, event and festival organisers, real estate developers, government bodies and private clients
  

• Build and manage the sales pipeline in a CRM, from first enquiry to signed contract
  

• Prepare proposals, quotations and show concepts with the Dubai creative team, and negotiate contract and payment terms
  

• Manage key accounts and secure repeat and annual bookings
  

Marketing and brand

• Launch and grow the Skyvertise brand in Nigeria through social media, PR, influencers and showcase shows
  

• Build referral partnerships with event planners, wedding planners, venues and agencies
  

• Capture show content for marketing and case studies
  

• Manage the marketing budget and measure the leads and sales each campaign produces
  

Regulatory and operations

• Lead the regulatory set-up for Nigerian operations, including drone operation permits and security clearances from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
  

• Obtain show-specific approvals from state authorities and venues, and from the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) where a show carries brand messaging
  

• Coordinate equipment import, customs clearance, storage, site surveys and logistics with the Dubai operations team
  

• Ensure every show meets safety, insurance and airspace requirements, and appoint reliable local suppliers and crew
  

Team leadership and reporting

• Recruit and lead the Lagos sales, marketing and operations team
  

• Set individual targets and run regular pipeline and performance reviews
  

• Submit monthly reports to head office on sales, pipeline, shows delivered and financial results
  

• Ensure client contracts, KYC checks and company policies are followed
  

Key performance indicators

Performance is assessed quarterly against agreed targets, with a full appraisal at year end.

Requirements

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Mass Communication or a related field
  

• At least 5 years' experience in sales, marketing or business development, including 3 years in a general management or senior leadership role
  

• Track record in events, experiential marketing, advertising, media or entertainment in Nigeria
  

• Proven record of selling high-value creative or event services to brands, agencies and corporate clients
  

• Strong network among Lagos brands, agencies, event organisers, real estate developers and government
  

• Experience launching a new business or brand in Nigeria is an advantage
  

• Experience with drones, aviation or technical event production is an advantage
  

Skills and competencies

• Commercial leadership and profit and loss management
  

• Consultative selling, negotiation and deal-closing
  

• Creative pitching and client presentations
  

• Relationship management with C-suite executives, agencies and government officials
  

• Project and event management under tight deadlines
  

• Working knowledge of Nigerian regulatory and permit processes
  

• Digital marketing, social media and CRM tools
  

• Ability to work closely with a head office team in Dubai
  

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends around show schedules, and to travel
  

Benefits