Business Development Manager

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

Your role will be to procure and sell recycled plastics, with a particular focus on PET (rPET). You will be working closely with local and global teams, communicating with colleagues across the world every day, a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset are key to being a top performer. You will develop relationships with material suppliers & buyers, assess their capabilities for a fit with our client's strategy and market demands.

Being able to manage ongoing negotiations, incoming new opportunities and customer development all at the same time makes this role suitable for a skilled business development executive who is results driven and uses time effectively. Success is achieved through a disciplined and consistent approach to building relationships, utilising the CRM and hunting for your own leads to keep a full pipeline of opportunities.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-moving environment, react quickly to changing priorities, be able to follow internal processes and proactively manage risk. An excellent communicator, you will demonstrate an optimistic and persistent approach, always open to giving and receiving feedback on performance. Challenges are seen as an opportunity to learn. This role is suited to an ambitious individual who is motivated, goal driven and wants to be part of a values driven organisation in a growth industry.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Business Development & Delivery

• Map the market and develop new suppliers & buyers from manufacturing (fibre, sheet & film), recycling & waste sectors.
• Assess client suitability against strategy, quality requirements & size of opportunity.
• Develop purchasing contracts for regular volumes of waste and recycled materials (particularly PET or rPET).
• Execute sales for scrap & recycled PET (rPET) sourced from our client's global locations to licensed manufacturers and recyclers.
• Actively seek out new opportunities and conduct market research through research, cold calling, networking, social media, attending conferences and trade fairs.
• Maximise margin by using effective negotiation techniques.
• Able to challenge customer views and counter objections to move towards closing a deal.
• Actively engage with the greater team to develop skills and share knowledge.
• Perform site visits to qualify, build relationships and discover market information.
• Develop and enhance relationships by being creative, innovative and offering excellent service that is responsive and tailored to client needs.
• Engage in constant and active risk management, to ensure the material is per the company and customer quality requirements.

Reporting & Management

• Keep detailed logs in CRM of all activities constantly.
• Maintain accurate records of customer information in CRM, including material requirements.
• Provide feedback & market reports to Management.
• Use knowledge of competitors and market to develop our client’s unique selling propositions.
• Contribute to developing standard operating procedures to mitigate risk and ensure seamless workflow.

Person Specification

Knowledge (Education & Related Experience)

• At least 5 years’ experience in business development in raw materials supply.
• Experience in recycled plastic or prime PET an advantage, not a requirement.
• Experience of developing new accounts and long term contracts.

Skills & Abilities

• Multilingual (fluent English is a requirement).
• Able to use logic and reasoning to appraise situations .
• Able to anticipate opportunities and risks.
• Able to build rapport quickly with colleagues and customers.
• Able to negotiate effectively with customers to maximise margins.
• Able to effectively collaborate with colleagues to achieve results.
• Able to manage and respond quickly to changing/competing priorities .
• Highly organized, able to independently plan own time.
• Able to follow internal procedure & policy (CRM, Admin, Trial Policies, Customer Onboarding).
• Able to present and clearly communicate information in speaking and writing.
• Able to ensure tasks are completed on time and to a high-standard.
• Able to use Excel, Outlook, Word and other MS Office products with high level of proficiency.
• Able to undertake effective research.

General Attributes

• Non-Negotiables: Action oriented, Builds strong relationships, Curious, Driven to learn, Empathetic, Investigative, Reflective, Resilient, Resourceful, Seeks feedback, Trustworthy.
• Willing to take complete ownership of the role and drive success.
• Grit and determination.
• Persuasive with a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Self-aware and reflective on successes and failures.
• Not afraid to have challenging conversations.
• Understands that upfront effort prevents issues down the line.
• Committed to on-going personal and professional development.
• Values team above self.