Business Development Manager

Role overview

An international trading company is opening operations in Ghana and is looking for a Business Development Manager to help establish its commercial presence from the ground up. The business focuses on importing and exporting agricultural commodities, specifically soya, wheat, and wheat bran, for markets across West Africa. The person hired will be responsible for expanding market share, finding new buyers, and creating strategic business partnerships.

Commercial development and prospecting

• Source and approach potential buyers of agricultural commodities in Ghana and across West Africa, including distributors, feed manufacturers, agri-food processors, and wholesalers.
• Build and actively manage a customer base for soya, wheat, and wheat bran.
• Handle commercial negotiations covering pricing, volumes, Incoterms, payment conditions, and delivery schedules.
• Follow up on contract performance in coordination with the supply chain and finance functions.

Market analysis and intelligence

• Keep track of international commodity movements, including Chicago Board of Trade pricing, as well as local consumption patterns in Ghana and the wider West African region.
• Assess competition in soya, wheat, and cereal by-product markets at both local and international levels.
• Spot possible arbitrage openings and favourable timing for imports.
• Prepare market updates and recommendations for management to support buying and selling decisions.

Partnerships and representation

• Develop relationships with Ghanaian institutional stakeholders, agricultural associations such as GFAG and GNAFF, and chambers of commerce.
• Represent the company at trade exhibitions, industry events, and business meetings in Ghana and the surrounding region.
• Work with overseas suppliers and traders to anticipate sourcing requirements based on market demand.

Reporting and performance tracking

• Monitor commercial KPIs such as sales volumes, revenue, gross margin by product, and client renewal rates.
• Prepare periodic commercial reports for senior management and headquarters.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant should bring a strong background in international agricultural commodity trading or import/export, along with a solid understanding of the Ghanaian and West African business environment. A well-developed network in the agri-food and distribution ecosystem will be important, as will the ability to negotiate effectively across cultures and work independently with a strong commercial drive.

Education and experience

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in International Business, Agri-food, Economics, or Business Administration is required.
• At least 5 years of experience in international agricultural commodity trading or import/export is needed.
• Prior exposure to the Ghanaian and West African markets is essential.

Additional requirements

• Established relationships within the Ghanaian agri-food and distribution network, including flour millers, feed millers, and distributors.
• Good knowledge of agricultural commodity pricing structures and Incoterms.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and cross-cultural skills.
• An autonomous, entrepreneurial approach with a clear focus on results.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.
• Knowledge of Twi or Hausa would be an advantage.

Key competencies

• Understanding of agricultural commodity markets for soya, wheat, and wheat bran in Ghana and West Africa.
• Ability to negotiate international trading contracts, including pricing, Incoterms, and payment terms.
• Experience in prospecting and developing industrial and agri-food clients.
• A strong professional network within Ghana’s agri-food sector.
• Commodity market intelligence and price analysis skills.