Business Development Manager – Import/Export (Fresh Produce)
Job Title: Business Development Manager – Import/Export (Fresh Produce)
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