CAREER OPPORTUNITY

POSITION              : Business Development Manager

SITE                          : KZN Region

REPORTING TO  : Regional General Manager

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To strategically develop, secure and grow profitable recyclable material supply opportunities by identifying new markets, building a strong supplier pipeline, converting prospects into active suppliers, managing existing supplier relationships and ensuring consistent supply into the company’s own mill and approved external mills. The role is responsible for new business development, supplier onboarding, commercial relationship management, market intelligence, volume growth, supplier retention and achievement of regional recyclable material procurement targets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify, source and secure new recyclable material suppliers in line with regional procurement, volume and commercial growth targets.
• Build and manage a structured new business pipeline from lead generation, prospecting and site visits through to supplier onboarding and active trading.
• Conduct strategic market mapping to identify untapped supply areas, high-volume suppliers, competitor-controlled accounts and growth opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with commercial suppliers, independent recyclers, buy-back centres, informal suppliers and bakkie suppliers.
• Manage supplier retention, supplier reactivation and new business development initiatives.
• Own and report on supplier acquisition, volume growth, retention and conversion targets for the assigned region.
• Monitor supplier activity, reduced supply, lost suppliers, competitor movements and market pricing trends.
• Conduct supplier site visits to assess volume potential, grade mix, quality standards, collection requirements and commercial viability.
• Support the preparation of commercial proposals, service arrangements and supplier agreements where applicable and within approved authority limits.
• Ensure new suppliers are appropriately vetted, documented, onboarded and integrated into company processes.
• Resolve supplier concerns relating to pricing, grading, payment, collections, weighing, offloading and service delivery.
• Work closely with Operations, Logistics, Finance, Mill Procurement, Weighbridge and site teams to ensure supplier commitments are met.
• Maintain accurate supplier records, prospect lists, visit reports, opportunity tracking and pipeline updates.
• Prepare and submit regular supplier pipeline, market intelligence, volume performance and competitor activity reports.
• Negotiate professionally within approved pricing, service and authority limits.
• Support the achievement of consistent mill feedstock requirements through proactive supplier development and relationship management.
• Ensure all supplier dealings are conducted ethically and in line with company policies and procedures.
• Perform ad hoc duties and reporting as required by management.

REQUIRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Strong business development, supplier development and relationship management ability.
• Proven ability to prospect, generate leads, build pipelines and convert opportunities into active business.
• Commercially driven and target orientated, with strong focus on volume growth, supplier acquisition, retention and margin awareness.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and communication skills.
• Strong market awareness and ability to gather competitor and pricing intelligence ethically.
• Ability to analyse supply opportunities, assess commercial viability and prioritise high-value prospects.
• Ability to work effectively in field-based and informal supplier environments.
• Resilient, proactive and able to work under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving ability and service recovery mindset.
• Good planning, organising, follow-up and time management skills.
• Ability to collaborate across Operations, Logistics, Finance and site teams.
• Computer literate with the ability to maintain supplier databases, prospect trackers, visit reports and pipeline updates.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality and professional judgement.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Relevant qualification in Sales, Marketing, Business Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Environmental Management or a related field will be advantageous.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in business development, supplier development, procurement, recycling, waste management, logistics, commodities, field sales or a related commercial environment.
• Experience in recyclable material procurement, informal supplier markets, buy-back centres or independent recycler networks will be advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel extensively within the assigned region.
• Computer literacy and ability to prepare reports.
• Must have own car.