Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager – Commodity Chemicals

Johannesburg, South Africa | Full-Time | Permanent

Are you an ambitious chemical sales professional with a strong background in commodity chemicals for industrial use — especially lubricants?

Our international client, a global trader in petrochemicals, is expanding its footprint in Southern Africa. With an established sales presence in the region, they’re now seeking a Business Development Manager to deepen client relationships and drive new growth.

This is a high-impact opportunity for someone hungry for growth, commercially sharp, and familiar with the trading and distribution environment for bulk/commodity chemicals.

• Expand business across Southern Africa by selling commodity chemicals and solvents used in lubricants and related industrial sectors
• Identify and develop new customer relationships while managing and growing existing accounts
• Collaborate with internal teams on logistics, compliance, and supply chain coordination
• Negotiate pricing, manage the fullwaardige sales cycle, and report on sales performance
• Stay ahead of industry trends, customer needs, and competitor activity

• 5–10 years of B2B sales experience in chemical trading, ideally with exposure to:
  • Lubricants
  • Coatings & paints
  • Adhesives
  • Soaps, detergents, or other industrial applications
• Experience working with chemical traders, distributors, or import/export houses
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and a proactive sales mindset
• Knowledge of local regulatory and logistics frameworks
• A self-starter who thrives in an agile, growth‑oriented environment
• Degree in Chemical Engineering or related field preferred; commercial training or MBA an advantage
• Must hold a valid driver’s license

• Attractive total package, including tools of trade
• Performance‑based incentive structure
• A role with autonomy, visibility, and opportunity to build something regionally impactful
• Work alongside a global team with established networks and infrastructure

This position is managed exclusively by Antal South Africa
, part of the Antal International Network. With global reach and local expertise, we deliver strategic recruitment solutions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.