Business Development Manager - French Speaking

Job Intro

Business Development Manager - French Speaking - Durban, KZN Kwazulu Natal

Business Development Manager – French Speaking

This role focuses on growing food export sales into French-speaking Central and West Africa, with a strong focus on FMCG, chilled and frozen foods, and related product categories. You’ll drive new business, deepen relationships with key customers, and turn market insight into profitable trading opportunities. Job Specification

ABOUT THE ROLE

Day to day, your work sits right at the intersection of sales, trading, and relationship management in the import/export space. Expect a mix of travel, deal-making, and hands-on execution.

Key areas of responsibility include

• Negotiate and close complex export trades, from price discussions through to finalising contracts and terms

• Ensure compliance with regulations in multiple African markets, including contract renewals and ongoing obligations

• Coordinate with internal teams (logistics, finance, operations) so orders move smoothly through the system and customers get what was promised

• Maintain strong relationships with existing clients while steadily expanding the customer base in French-speaking Central and West Africa

• Build and nurture relationships with C-level stakeholders and key decision-makers in target accounts

• Identify, qualify, and develop new opportunities, using data and performance metrics to guide decisions and strengthen your portfolio

• Keep a close eye on debtors and make sure outstanding amounts are collected timeously

• Report regularly to executive leadership on performance, budgets, development plans, and market feedback

• Set profit budgets annually (with leadership approval) and then meet or exceed those targets

• Develop and execute a clear business development plan for the French-speaking regions, with a strong focus on growth and profitability

• Prepare and deliver persuasive presentations and proposals in both French and English

• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and regulatory changes that affect your territories

• Plan and prepare for customer trips and meetings to get the most value from time on the road

• Project manage international trade shows and industry events, and attend them in person

• Work confidently within established logistical and financial controls, balancing commercial opportunity with risk

Offer

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

This role suits someone who knows export trading and is comfortable owning a region, a customer base, and a commercial target.

Essential experience

• At least 5 years’ track record in new business development, sales, trading or key account management in an export environment

• Proven “hunter” profile with a history of meeting or exceeding sales and volume/region targets

• Experience travelling into West and Central Africa, with a strong network in those regions

• Solid background with food products or FMCG in an import/export context

• Experience working independently, managing a diverse product pipeline, and handling a fast-paced trading environment

• Fluency in French (written and spoken) and strong proficiency in English

Core skills

• Strong knowledge of multiple food categories, manufacturers, value chains, and market dynamics

• Ability to use analytics tools such as Qlikview/Qliksense (or similar), plus solid data analysis skills to spot trends and improvement areas

• High level of numerical and commercial understanding, able to interpret figures and business information

• Clear, consistent, and accurate report writing

• Strong commercial awareness, objection handling, presentation and negotiation skills

• Project management capability, with a focus on timely execution within budget

Qualifications and operational requirements

• Matric plus a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing or Commerce (BBA/BCom)

• Valid passport

• Clear criminal and credit record

• Valid driver’s licence

• Willingness and ability to travel into your allocated markets at least once every 6 weeks, typically spending around 10 days with customers to grow and support the business

Traits that help

• Strong business acumen and sound judgement

• Natural curiosity about markets, customers, and products

• Comfort working with numbers, dashboards, and performance metrics

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience specifically with FMCG foods, beverages, fruit and vegetables, meat, wines or related building supplies in export trading

• Prior exposure to working with multiple African markets simultaneously

• Experience managing trade show projects from planning to post-event follow up

WHY JOIN US

• Focuses on supplying FMCG foods and related products into multiple international markets

• Operates at pace, with meaningful responsibility, autonomy, and clear commercial targets

• Brings together logistics, trading, and relationship management in one role, keeping your work varied and hands-on

• Rewards performance with a competitive base salary plus commission

• The package includes a competitive base salary with a commission structure linked to performance. Candidates are asked to submit a CV in both English and French.

• To apply, please submit your CV in English and French and briefly highlight your export trading experience into French-speaking West and Central Africa.

Monthly Salary: R50000 - R60000