Business Development Manager – rPET (LATAM)
Be part of something special. Join Vanden.
This role can be based in multiple locations in South America with a preference on: Colombia, Mexico and Chile
At Vanden, we’re passionate about transforming waste into a valuable commodity. Our mission is simple and ambitious: to build the world’s largest recycled plastics commodities company.
Since starting our journey in 2005, we’ve grown into a global business serving hundreds of customers across more than 50 countries. Headquartered in Hong Kong, with operations and representation across Australia, Finland, Ireland, Turkey, North America, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK, we are a fast-moving, entrepreneurial organization with big ambitions.
We are now looking for a dynamic Business Development Manager to lead and grow our presence across Latin America.
Job Summary
The mission of this role is to become the leading recycled PET (rPET) supplier and buyer in the region.
You will drive and develop the procurement and sales of recycled plastics – with a particular focus on PET (rPET) – across Latin America. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for building regional strategy, developing a commercial network, and growing a high-performing team, while also being directly involved in executing trades and business development activity.
Working closely with global and local teams, you’ll operate in a fast-paced environment where collaboration, energy, and entrepreneurial mindset are essential.
This role is suited to an ambitious, commercially driven leader who thrives on negotiation, opportunity creation, and delivering measurable results.
What You Will Do
Strategy & Leadership
- Work with the CEO and cross-functional leaders to develop and execute the regional business development strategy
- Recruit, build, and develop a high-performing LATAM commercial team
- Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities
- Drive financial performance and regional growth
Business Development & Trading
- Map the LATAM market to identify new suppliers and buyers across manufacturing, recycling, and waste sectors
- Develop deep knowledge of customer needs, pain points, and commercial drivers
- Build long-term relationships with key material suppliers and buyers
- Negotiate and execute contracts for regular volumes of waste and recycled materials
- Sell rPET sourced globally to licensed manufacturers and recyclers
- Maximize margin through effective negotiation and deal structuring
- Conduct site visits to qualify partners and gather market intelligence
- Challenge customer assumptions and overcome objections to close deals
- Actively manage commercial and operational risk
Reporting & Process
- Maintain accurate CRM records and customer data
- Provide regular market insights and performance reports to senior management
- Monitor competitor activity and help develop Vanden’s unique market positioning
- Support the creation of internal processes and procedures to ensure efficient operations
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Knowledge
- Experience in business development within raw materials supply
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Experience in commercial leadership or management
- Background in recycled plastics or prime PET is advantageous (not essential)
- Proven track record of developing new accounts and long-term supply contracts
- Experience working across Latin American markets
Skills & Abilities
- Fluent English required; additional languages highly desirable
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Ability to build rapport quickly with customers and colleagues
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving, international environment
Personal Attributes
- Results-driven with high energy and resilience
- Entrepreneurial, proactive, and action-oriented
- Confident in challenging conversations and negotiations
- Able to think strategically while executing tactically
- Committed to personal and professional development
- Willing to take full ownership of outcomes
Why Join Vanden?
- A genuine leadership role with significant autonomy
- Opportunity to build and shape a regional business from the ground up
- Work in a fast-growing, global sustainability industry
- Be part of a collaborative, entrepreneurial organization
- Direct impact on company performance and environmental progress
