Business Development Executive

We are looking for an experienced and results-driven Business Development Executive to drive business growth and expand the company's customer base across Kenya.

The ideal candidate should have strong experience in the manufacturing and chemical industries, particularly in soaps, detergents, cleaning products or related FMCG products. The successful candidate should have an established network and strong relationships with hotels, supermarkets, retailers, hospitals, restaurants and other institutional customers across Kenya.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across Kenya.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers and decision-makers.
• Promote and sell the company's products to hotels, supermarkets, retailers, hospitals, restaurants and other institutions.
• Generate leads, conduct sales presentations, prepare quotations and negotiate commercial terms.
• Develop and maintain a strong sales pipeline and consistently achieve sales targets.
• Identify new markets, customers and distribution opportunities.
• Follow up on leads and convert prospects into long-term customers.

Key Account Management

• Manage and grow relationships with major hotels, supermarkets, hospitals, restaurants and institutional customers.
• Maintain regular contact with key accounts and understand their product and supply requirements.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, supply arrangements and other commercial terms.
• Ensure excellent customer service and timely resolution of customer issues.
• Identify opportunities to increase product volumes and expand product offerings within existing accounts.

Market Development

• Conduct market visits and identify emerging business opportunities across different regions in Kenya.
• Monitor competitor activities, pricing, products and market trends.
• Develop strategies to increase product penetration and market share.
• Build relationships with distributors, wholesalers, retailers and other relevant business partners.
• Provide regular market intelligence and feedback to management.

Customer & Relationship Management

• Build a strong network of customers and industry contacts.
• Maintain professional relationships with procurement managers, business owners and other key decision-makers.
• Understand customer needs and provide appropriate product and commercial solutions.
• Ensure effective follow-up from initial engagement through to order fulfillment and repeat business.

Sales Reporting

• Prepare regular sales and business development reports.
• Maintain accurate records of prospects, customers, sales activities and opportunities.
• Track sales performance against targets and provide forecasts.
• Report market developments, customer feedback and competitive activities to management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Business, Sales & Marketing, Commerce, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in business development or sales, preferably within manufacturing, chemicals, FMCG, soaps, detergents or cleaning products.
• Strong understanding of the soap, detergent, cleaning chemicals or related manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record in B2B and institutional sales.
• Established network of contacts among hotels, supermarkets, retailers, hospitals, restaurants and other institutions across Kenya.
• Strong negotiation, presentation and relationship-management skills.
• Proven ability to acquire new customers and grow existing accounts.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify profitable business opportunities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively across Kenya.
• Strong sales drive and ability to work independently against targets.

Key Competencies

• Business development
• B2B and institutional sales
• Key account management
• Customer acquisition
• Negotiation and closing
• Market development
• Relationship management
• Sales forecasting
• Commercial awareness
• Strong industry networks
• Communication and presentation skills
• Target orientation

Desirable Industry Experience

Experience selling soaps, detergents, cleaning chemicals, hygiene products or related manufactured products to hotels, supermarkets, hospitals, restaurants, retailers and other institutional customers will be highly advantageous.