Business Development Manager

Overview

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.

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.

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…