Business Development Manager – Kenya (PET & rPET)

About the role

You will identify and develop relationships with manufacturers, recyclers, waste‑management businesses, suppliers and buyers across Kenya. Working closely with Vanden colleagues worldwide, you will manage the full business development process—from market mapping and lead generation to negotiating, closing deals and building long‑term trading relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Map the Kenyan market and identify potential suppliers and buyers.
• Develop purchasing and sales opportunities, particularly for PET and rPET.
• Assess prospective customers and suppliers against commercial strategy, quality requirements and risk standards.
• Build a strong pipeline through research, cold outreach, networking, referrals, site visits and industry events.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms and regular‑volume contracts.
• Develop long‑term relationships through responsive and commercially focused service.
• Work with Vanden’s international teams to connect local opportunities with global supply and demand.
• Monitor competitors, pricing, market movements and emerging opportunities.
• Maintain accurate customer, supplier and opportunity information within our CRM.
• Proactively manage material quality, payment exposure and other trading risks.

Required profile

• At least five years’ experience in B2B business development, sales, procurement or trading.
• Proven record of winning new customers or suppliers and developing long‑term commercial relationships.
• Experience in raw materials, plastics, recycling, packaging, manufacturing, waste management or another commodity sector.
• Experience in PET or recycled plastics is advantageous but not essential.
• Fluent professional English; proficiency in Swahili is advantageous.
• Strong commercial judgment and negotiation skills.
• Ability to identify opportunities, assess risks and move deals forward.
• Proactive, resilient and results‑driven approach.
• Confidence engaging with businesses ranging from local operators to major manufacturers.
• Disciplined approach to pipeline management, follow‑up and CRM use.
• Willingness to travel regularly for customer and supplier meetings.