Business Development Manager

The Company

Our client is a progressive global plastic recycling business with three distinct divisions: (1) Plastic Recycling; (2) Recycled Supply Chain Management; and (3) Recycled & Waste Plastic Feedstock. Their expert global team combine impressive technical knowledge and capability with a passion for recycling and the circular economy. Our client is passionate about transforming waste into a valuable commodity, buying, selling and recycling scrap plastic.

Since our client started on their journey in 2005, they have developed a worldwide presence, serving hundreds of customers in over 50 countries. They have grown a strong, talented team who are highly trained, dedicated and loyal. They are headquartered in Hong Kong with operations and representation in Australia, Finland, Ireland, Turkey, Spain, Netherlands & UK. They operate a factory based in the UK specialising in the collection and recycling of plastic waste generated from industry and manufacturing.

Job Summary

The mission of this role is to become the leading recycled PET (rPET) supplier and buyer in the region.

You will drive and develop the procurement and sales of recycled plastics – with a particular focus on PET (rPET) – across Latin America. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for building regional strategy, developing a commercial network, and growing a high-performing team, while also being directly involved in executing trades and business development activity.

Working closely with global and local teams, you’ll operate in a fast-paced environment where collaboration, energy, and entrepreneurial mindset are essential.

This role is suited to an ambitious, commercially driven leader who thrives on negotiation, opportunity creation, and delivering measurable results.

What You Will Do

Strategy & Leadership

• Work with the CEO and cross-functional leaders to develop and execute the regional business development strategy.
• Recruit, build, and develop a high-performing LATAM commercial team.
• Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities.
• Drive financial performance and regional growth.

Business Development & Trading

• Map the LATAM market to identify new suppliers and buyers across manufacturing, recycling, and waste sectors.
• Develop deep knowledge of customer needs, pain points, and commercial drivers.
• Build long-term relationships with key material suppliers and buyers.
• Negotiate and execute contracts for regular volumes of waste and recycled materials.
• Sell rPET sourced globally to licensed manufacturers and recyclers.
• Maximize margin through effective negotiation and deal structuring.
• Conduct site visits to qualify partners and gather market intelligence.
• Challenge customer assumptions and overcome objections to close deals.
• Actively manage commercial and operational risk.

Reporting & Process

• Maintain accurate CRM records and customer data.
• Provide regular market insights and performance reports to senior management.
• Monitor competitor activity and help develop our client’s unique market positioning.
• Support the creation of internal processes and procedures to ensure efficient operations.

Requirements

What Our Client is Looking For

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience in business development within raw materials supply.
• Experience in commercial leadership or management.
• Background in recycled plastics or prime PET is advantageous (not essential).
• Proven track record of developing new accounts and long-term supply contracts.
• Experience working across Latin American markets.

Skills & Abilities

• Fluent English required; additional languages highly desirable.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Ability to build rapport quickly with customers and colleagues.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, international environment.

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven with high energy and resilience.
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and action-oriented.
• Confident in challenging conversations and negotiations.
• Able to think strategically while executing tactically.
• Committed to personal and professional development.
• Willing to take full ownership of outcomes.

Benefits

Here’s the best things about this role

• Uncapped commission scheme: get what you put in; our client rewards hard work.
• Join a Values driven international business: our client encourages their people to be intensely curious and to challenge boundaries and ways of working, here you have a voice.
• Grow with us: our client is expanding and has an ambitious mission, they will provide the resources, training and support for you to stretch yourself and learn new skills and enhance your career – you are their most valuable asset.
• Join a good cause: not only do our client generates revenue, they actively help to build a global circular economy.

Here’s why it is great for some but not everyone

• You will join a challenging fast paced environment that will force you out your comfort zone, and you will need to develop and build new commercial and technical skills.
• The first 6 months is intense, you will spend a lot of time learning about plastic, you will become obsessed with quality and accuracy, to be able to deliver certainty to our customers.
• You will spend a lot of time travelling and visiting customers sometimes 3 days a week meeting potential suppliers and current accounts, you’ll be being the face of our client, a job on the road isn’t for everyone.