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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect UK buyers with high-quality East African produce and drive sales.
- Company: Hurlingham Trade Capital, a dynamic trade finance boutique.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and performance-based success fees.
- Other info: Remote role with a focus on entrepreneurial spirit and market impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming the fresh produce trade between Africa and the UK.
- Qualifications: Strong network in the UK fresh produce sector and trade knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Remote (UK-Based)
Position Type: Part-Time / Contract (Flexible hours)
Compensation: Competitive Monthly Retainer + High-Yield Success Fees (Paid in GBP)
The Opportunity
Hurlingham Trade Capital Limited is a UK-based trade finance boutique specialized in the East Africa-UK trade corridor. We provide working capital and PO finance to vetted exporters in Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. We are seeking a results-driven Business Development Manager to bridge the gap between our high-quality East African producers and UK-based buyers. Your goal is to identify importers, wholesalers, and retailers who require consistent, high-quality agricultural produce and connect them with our financed exporters.
The Role: A Strategic Triangle
This is a high-impact "Hunter" role. You will be a central pillar in a lean, high-efficiency team designed to move produce and capital across borders seamlessly. You will work in daily lockstep with:
- The Managing Director (London): Reporting directly to the MD to align on UK market strategy, credit risk assessment for new buyers, and facility limits.
- The Regional Director (Nairobi): Collaborating to ensure that the supply coming from our East African exporters matches the specific quality, volume, and timing requirements of the UK buyers you onboard.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Generation: Source and qualify UK-based importers, wholesalers (e.g., Spitalfields, Western International), and specialty food-service providers.
- Market Matchmaking: Introduce our "Finance-Ready" exporters (e.g., premium beans, chillies, avocados, and specialty tea/coffee) to buyers looking for reliable, ESG-compliant supply chains.
- Sales Execution: Drive the process from initial introduction to signed Master Sales Agreements (MSAs).
- Supply Chain Feedback: Provide real-time market intelligence to the Nairobi team to refine product packaging, variety, and logistics at the source.
Requirements
- The "Black Book": You must have an existing network of contacts within the UK fresh produce or agri-import sector.
- Remote Mastery: Ability to drive results independently while staying in constant communication with the London and Nairobi hubs.
- Trade Savvy: Familiarity with UK import standards (Phytosanitary, GlobalG.A.P, etc.) and Incoterms.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfortable working on a performance-led basis during the launch phase of a brand-new trade corridor.
Business Development Manager - Import/Export (Fresh Produce) employer: Hurlingham Trade Capital
Contact Detail:
Hurlingham Trade Capital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Import/Export (Fresh Produce)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your existing contacts in the fresh produce or agri-import sector. We all know that who you know can be just as important as what you know, so don’t hesitate to leverage your 'Black Book' to find potential leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with UK-based importers and wholesalers. Share relevant content about East African produce and engage with industry discussions to position yourself as a knowledgeable player in the market.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Research potential buyers and reach out directly with tailored pitches that highlight how our 'Finance-Ready' exporters can meet their needs. Remember, it’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who can drive results. By applying directly, you’ll not only show your enthusiasm but also get a chance to stand out from the crowd. Let’s make things happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Import/Export (Fresh Produce)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about connecting East African producers with UK buyers. Share your thoughts on why this opportunity speaks to you.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in the fresh produce or agri-import sector. We’re looking for that 'Black Book' of contacts, so don’t be shy about showcasing your network and relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and fluff. Highlight your skills and experiences that directly relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hurlingham Trade Capital
✨Know Your Produce
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh produce that are popular in the UK market, especially those sourced from East Africa. Be ready to discuss specific products like premium beans or avocados and how they meet UK import standards.
✨Leverage Your Network
Since this role requires an existing network within the UK fresh produce sector, come prepared with examples of your connections. Highlight any previous collaborations with importers or wholesalers and how you can leverage these relationships for the company.
✨Understand the Market Dynamics
Research the current trends in the UK agri-import sector. Be ready to discuss how you would identify potential buyers and what strategies you would use to connect them with East African exporters. Show that you’re not just a 'hunter' but also a strategic thinker.
✨Demonstrate Remote Mastery
As this is a remote position, showcase your ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with teams in London and Nairobi. Share examples of how you've successfully managed remote projects or teams in the past.