Business Development Manager - West Africa

Switch Recruit (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Recruit (Pty) Ltd is seeking a Business Development Manager in an international trading environment. The role focuses on expanding opportunities in fresh produce categories and building long-term client relationships.

You will drive profit targets, explore new markets, and close deals while ensuring compliant logistics and strong client service. Willingness to travel to Indian Ocean Islands is required.

Qualifications

• Fluency in French mandatory.
• Strong knowledge of export processes and logistics.
• Proven track record of negotiating and closing commercial deals.
• Strong numerical aptitude for reading and interpreting financial figures.
• Working knowledge of Incoterms and their buying/selling applications.
• Willingness to travel to Indian Ocean Islands at least every six weeks for trips.

Responsibilities

• Achieve annual profit targets approved by the MD.
• Identify and pursue new business and market opportunities.
• Negotiate and close sales with strong commercial and sales skills.
• Maintain high levels of client service through relationship management.
• Ensure compliance with market regulations and requirements.
• Operate within established logistical and financial controls.

Skills

French fluency

Export processes

Negotiation

Numerical proficiency

Incoterms knowledge

Willingness to travel

Job description

Business Development Manager opportunity within an international trading environment, focused on expanding commercial opportunities across fresh produce categories including fruit, meat and beverages. The role will suit a commercially driven professional with a strong focus on business growth, client development and building long-term relationships.

Responsibilities

• Achieve annual profit targets agreed upon with and approved by the Managing Director.
• Identify and pursue new business and market opportunities.
• Successfully negotiate and close sales using strong commercial, negotiation and sales skills.
• Maintain a high level of client service through effective relationship management and ongoing relationship building.
• Ensure compliance with the regulations and requirements of the relevant markets.
• Work effectively within the company’s established logistical and financial controls.

Requirements

• Fluency in French non-negotiable.
• Strong knowledge of export processes and the associated logistics.
• Proven track record of successfully negotiating and closing commercial deals.
• Strong mathematical aptitude with the ability to confidently interpret and work with numbers and financial figures.
• Working knowledge of Incoterms, with an understanding of their application from both a buying and selling perspective.
• Willingness to travel to the Indian Ocean Islands at least once every six weeks for approximately 10 days per trip to meet with customers, strengthen existing relationships and develop new business opportunities.