About this role
Business Development Manager – Kenya
Be part of something special. Join Vanden.
Vanden transforms waste into a valuable commodity. Since 2005, we have built a global recycled plastics business serving hundreds of customers across more than 50 countries.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager based in Kenya to develop new purchasing and sales opportunities, with a particular focus on PET and recycled PET (rPET).
The opportunity
You will identify and develop relationships with manufacturers, recyclers, waste-management businesses, suppliers and buyers across Kenya.
Working closely with Vanden colleagues around the world, you will manage the full business development process—from mapping the market and generating leads to negotiating, closing deals and developing long-term trading relationships.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys opening doors, understanding markets and turning opportunities into sustainable commercial business.
Key responsibilities
- Map the Kenyan market and identify potential suppliers and buyers
- Develop purchasing and sales opportunities, particularly for PET and rPET
- Assess prospective customers and suppliers against our commercial strategy, quality requirements and risk standards
- Build a strong pipeline through research, cold outreach, networking, referrals, site visits and industry events
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms and regular-volume contracts
- Develop long-term relationships through responsive and commercially focused service
- Work with Vanden’s international teams to connect local opportunities with global supply and demand
- Monitor competitors, pricing, market movements and emerging opportunities
- Maintain accurate customer, supplier and opportunity information within our CRM
- Proactively manage material quality, payment exposure and other trading risks
What we’re looking for
- At least five years’ experience in B2B business development, sales, procurement or trading
- A proven record of winning new customers or suppliers and developing long-term commercial relationships
- Experience in raw materials, plastics, recycling, packaging, manufacturing, waste management or another commodity sector
- Experience in PET or recycled plastics would be advantageous, but is not essential
- Fluent professional English; proficiency in Swahili would be advantageous
- Strong commercial judgment and negotiation skills
- The ability to identify opportunities, assess risks and move deals forward
- A proactive, resilient and results-driven approach
- Confidence engaging with businesses ranging from local operators to major manufacturers
- A disciplined approach to pipeline management, follow-up and CRM use
- Willingness to travel regularly for customer and supplier meetings
Who succeeds at Vanden?
Our strongest people are curious, commercially minded and unafraid to take action. They remain objective when challenges arise, focus on what really matters and find practical ways forward.
You will thrive here if you enjoy taking ownership, learning continuously, receiving honest feedback and building something in a fast-moving international business.
About Vanden
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Vanden operates internationally across Asia, Europe, Australia and the UK. Our ambition is to build the world’s largest recycled plastics commodities company.
This position is based in Kenya, with Nairobi preferred. Applications from strong candidates elsewhere in Kenya will also be considered.