About this role
Business Development Manager – Japan
Be part of something special. Join Vanden.
Vanden transforms waste into a valuable commodity. Since 2005, we have built a global recycled plastics business serving hundreds of customers across more than 50 countries.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager based in Japan to develop our presence in the Japanese market, with a particular focus on PET and recycled PET (rPET).
The opportunity
You will build relationships with manufacturers, recyclers, suppliers and buyers across Japan, identifying opportunities to purchase and sell recycled plastic materials.
Working closely with Vanden colleagues around the world, you will manage the full business development process—from mapping the market and generating leads through to negotiation, closing deals and developing long-term trading relationships.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys opening doors, understanding markets and turning opportunities into sustainable commercial business.
Key responsibilities
• Map the Japanese market and identify potential suppliers and buyers across the manufacturing, recycling and waste sectors
• Develop new purchasing and sales opportunities, particularly for PET and rPET
• Assess prospective customers and suppliers against our commercial strategy, quality requirements and risk standards
• Build a strong pipeline through market research, networking, cold outreach, site visits, conferences and trade fairs
• Negotiate pricing, terms and regular-volume contracts while protecting and maximising margin
• Develop long-term relationships by providing responsive, commercially focused service
• Work with Vanden’s global teams to connect Japanese opportunities with international supply and demand
• Monitor market activity, competitors, pricing and emerging opportunities
• Maintain accurate customer, supplier and opportunity information within our CRM
• Proactively manage material quality, commercial exposure and other trading risks
What we’re looking for
• At least five years’ experience in business development, trading or sales within raw materials, manufacturing or a related sector
• A proven record of developing new accounts and long-term commercial contracts
• Experience in recycled plastics, PET or prime polymers would be advantageous, but is not essential
• Fluent Japanese and strong business-level English
• Strong commercial judgment and negotiation skills
• The ability to identify opportunities, assess risks and move deals forward
• A proactive, resilient and results-driven approach
• Confidence building relationships with customers, suppliers and international colleagues
• A disciplined approach to pipeline management, follow-up and CRM use
Who succeeds at Vanden?
Our strongest people are curious, commercially minded and unafraid to take action. They remain objective when challenges arise, focus on what really matters and find practical ways forward.
You will thrive here if you enjoy taking ownership, learning continuously, receiving honest feedback and building something in a fast-moving international business.
About Vanden
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Vanden operates internationally across Asia, Europe, Turkiye, Australia, USA and the UK.
Our ambition is to build the world’s largest recycled plastics commodities company.
If you are excited by the opportunity to develop Vanden’s business in Japan and play a meaningful role in the global circular economy, we would like to hear from you.