Business Development Manager - Materials Trading

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international trading company located in London is seeking a Business Development Manager to manage and grow a £25M+ export portfolio across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This role requires significant experience in international trading and a strong understanding of packaging raw materials. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with clients and suppliers. Frequent travel is expected as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in international trading/export sales, ideally in packaging raw materials.
• Proven ability to manage and grow a £25M+ business.
• Experience developing business in the MENA region is a major plus.

Responsibilities

• Own and grow a £25M+ export sales portfolio across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
• Lead on high-value deals in packaging materials.
• Forge powerful relationships with customers and suppliers.

Skills

International trading/export sales experience

Strong product expertise in plastics

Excellent communication skills

Relationship building

Business development

Knowledge of Incoterms and global logistics

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Job description

Job Description

Our client, a prominent player in the international trading sector, is currently seeking a Business Development Manager to join their dynamic team in London, UK.

Business Development Manager - Packaging Raw Materials

Location: UK-based with global travel (Middle East, Europe, Africa & beyond)

Sector: Plastics | Paper | Steel | Aluminium

Ready to take your export sales career global? This is not your average sales role. We're offering a rare chance to lead and grow a multimillion-pound export business in one of the world's most dynamic and essential industries—packaging raw materials.

Think global deals. Think high-value products. Think strategic growth across EMEA markets. From steel and plastics to aluminium and paper, you'll take charge of an established portfolio and uncover new frontiers in international trade.

If you're a natural dealmaker, a trusted relationship builder, and a commercially sharp operator with a thirst for international success—we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

1. Own and grow a £25M+ export sales portfolio across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
2. Lead on high-value deals in plastics, paper, tinplate, aluminium slugs, coated steel, cold-rolled steel, and aluminium profiles.
3. Forge powerful relationships with customers, suppliers, and partners worldwide.
4. Be the driving force behind new market expansion, new product opportunities, and new revenue streams.
5. Represent the business at global trade fairs, exhibitions, and industry events.
6. Collaborate across cultures with UK and international offices to execute winning strategies.
7. Report directly to senior leadership and help define the future of our global trade operations.

What You Bring

1. Significant experience in international trading/export sales (ideally in packaging raw materials).
2. Strong product expertise in plastics, paper, steel, or aluminium.
3. Proven ability to manage and grow a £25M+ business.
4. Solid knowledge of Incoterms, global logistics, and shipping processes.
5. Highly effective communicator and relationship-builder across cultures and geographies.
6. Experience developing business in the MENA region is a major plus.
7. Confident using Microsoft Office and SAP (or willing to learn).
8. Ready to travel frequently to meet customers, suppliers, and attend exhibitions across Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

This is your opportunity to join a fast-moving international trading business where your ideas, relationships, and sales instincts will drive real growth.

If you're ready to take the reins and build something bigger, apply now.