Business Development Officer

We are recruiting on behalf of a client in the agricultural commodities and export trading sector. ABOUT THE ROLE We are looking for a proactive, commercially minded Business Development Officer to support the growth of our client's agricultural commodities business across the supply chain and export sectors. The successful candidate will be responsible primarily for identifying and bringing in customers, developing business opportunities, and generating orders for agricultural commodities. The role involves building relationships with prospective buyers, understanding their product requirements, and working closely with management to confirm product availability and supply capacity before commitments are made to customers. The successful candidate will be expected to create opportunities and bring in business while working collaboratively with the team to ensure that customer requirements can be fulfilled. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & CUSTOMER ACQUISITION * Identify and develop new business opportunities for agricultural commodities. * Prospect for potential buyers, distributors, wholesalers, and other relevant customers. * Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective customers and business opportunities. * Contact prospective clients, introduce the company's products, and understand their purchasing needs. * Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective customers. * Follow up consistently with prospects to convert opportunities into confirmed orders. * Support the development of repeat business and long-term customer relationships. CUSTOMER PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS * Engage customers to understand their requirements, including product type, quantity, quality specifications, pricing expectations and delivery needs. * Obtain and document clear customer requirements before presenting opportunities internally. * Liaise with management and relevant internal teams to confirm whether requested agricultural commodities can be sourced and supplied. * Do not commit the company to an order or deal without first confirming product availability and supply capacity internally.** * Communicate confirmed product availability and agreed commercial terms accurately to prospective customers. SALES AND DEAL DEVELOPMENT * Generate quotations and support commercial discussions as directed by management. * Assist in negotiating terms with customers within approved company guidelines. * Follow up on outstanding quotations, enquiries and potential orders. * Maintain accurate records of customer interactions, opportunities and sales activities. * Support the conversion of qualified opportunities into successful transactions. MARKET DEVELOPMENT * Research potential buyers and emerging market opportunities for agricultural commodities. * Identify products that are in demand among target customers and markets. * Monitor customer needs, competitor activity and relevant market developments. * Attend relevant business meetings, exhibitions, networking events and other activities that can generate new business. REPORTING * Provide regular updates to management on customer prospects, sales leads and the business development pipeline. * Report on enquiries, quotations, converted opportunities and lost opportunities. * Highlight potential business opportunities and challenges that require management attention. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE * Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, International Business, Agribusiness, or a related field. * 2–4 years' experience in business development, sales, client acquisition, or a related commercial role. * Experience in agriculture, agricultural commodities, FMCG, trading, export, or a related industry will be an advantage. * Demonstrated ability to identify prospects, engage customers, and convert leads into business opportunities. * Experience building and maintaining customer relationships. * Good understanding of sales processes and business development principles. * Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word. * Experience using CRM or customer management tools will be an advantage. KEY COMPETENCIES The ideal candidate should be: * Commercially minded and results-oriented * Proactive and confident in approaching potential customers * A strong communicator and relationship builder * Persistent and disciplined with follow-ups * Organised and able to manage multiple prospects simultaneously * Able to understand customer needs and translate them into business opportunities * Honest and careful about making commitments to customers * Comfortable working in a target-driven environment * Willing to travel occasionally for business development activities NB: Salary + Commission (upon meeting sales targets) Interested persons should apply through the form below.