Business Development Manager

Job Intro

Business Development Manager - Durban, KZN Kwazulu Natal

Business Development Manager

This role centres on driving export sales of FMCG and commodities into key international markets, building strong commercial relationships and turning market insight into profit. Job Specification

ABOUT THE ROLE

You’ll take full ownership of growing export trade across targeted markets, particularly FMCG and related commodities, using a mix of market insight, networking and structured deal-making. Working on-site in Durban, you’ll be closely involved in both the commercial and operational sides of export trading. Offer

Key focus areas include

• Setting annual profit budgets (signed off by the MD) and pushing hard to meet or exceed them

• Prospecting in target markets and turning new opportunities into real, profitable business

• Negotiating and closing trade deals using professional sales techniques

• Maintaining high service levels through ongoing client engagement and strategic relationship building

• Actively growing and using a diverse professional network to unlock opportunities and support market development

• Ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple countries and trade environments

• Working within existing logistical and financial frameworks to keep deals aligned with company controls

• Managing trade risk for each sale, from pricing and terms through to fulfilment

• Tracking market trends and demand so you know which products to sell, into which markets, and when to move

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Solid export trade and business development experience in FMCG and/or commodities

• Background in working with African or Indian Ocean Island markets is a strong advantage

• Strong understanding of South African FMCG products and perishable produce is beneficial

• Proven numerical and financial acumen, with confidence in reading and interpreting figures

• Working knowledge of Incoterms from both a buying and selling perspective

• Experience networking and representing the business at international food trade shows

• Matric plus a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance or a related field

• On the personal side, this role suits someone:

• Commercially minded, mature and comfortable handling a diverse international client base

• Quick to absorb information and able to move from insight to action at pace

• Meticulous with details, yet still able to keep the broader strategy and profitability in view

• Confident making decisions based on numbers, risk and market conditions

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Relationship management – building, maintaining and growing strategic client relationships over time

• Mathematical and analytical ability – reading financials, margins and KPIs and using them to guide decisions

• Negotiation and sales – confident dealmaker with a track record of closing and growing revenue

• Market intelligence – spotting demand shifts, pricing gaps and product opportunities ahead of competitors

• Regulatory and compliance awareness – comfortable navigating different regulatory environments and trade rules

• Risk management – assessing, structuring and mitigating trade risk, with assertive, informed decision-making

• Communication – clear, persuasive communicator, able to work across cultures and stakeholder types

WORKING ARRANGEMENT

• On-site role based in Durban

• Regular international travel to target markets, roughly every six weeks for about 10 days per trip, to visit customers, suppliers and partners

• Valid passport and valid driver’s licence required

COMPENSATION

• Market-related base salary, dependent on experience

• Performance-based commission aligned to achievement of agreed budgets

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Export trading in FMCG and commodities moves fast and relies heavily on strong relationships, sharp commercial thinking and reliable execution. You’ll be working in a sector where margins, timing and product mix matter, and where well-managed deals can quickly grow into long-term, multi-market partnerships. Expect a mix of desk-based planning and on-the-ground travel, regular contact with international stakeholders, and a clear link between your performance and earnings.

To apply, submit your CV and a short note highlighting your export FMCG experience and key markets you’ve worked in.

Monthly Salary: R50000 - R60000