Job Description

Position Title:

LAI Business Development Manager and Senior Operations Support JHB

Business Area:

LAI Commercial

Reports to:

LAI Chief Commercial Officer

Location

RSA - Johannesburg

Objective of the position

Lobito Atlantic International is a growing rail and logistics business operating across the Lobito Corridor, with core activities in Lobito (Angola) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company plays a key role in facilitating regional trade by providing efficient, reliable rail transport solutions for mining, agricultural, and industrial sectors.

Role will be employed by Trafigura but dedicated entirely to the Lobito Atlantic Railway business in DRC and Angola, a project in which Trafigura holds a significant equity stake and through which Trafigura is responsible for the commercialisation and operations of the line.

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for driving commercial growth and strategic partnerships across DRC and Angola, with a focus on increasing rail freight volumes along the Lobito Corridor. Based in Johannesburg, this role will act as a key interface between customers, regional stakeholders, and internal operations in Lobito and the DRC.

The Role will also play a key support in the operations of the line, driving efficiency and cycle time and providing support on key areas in the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

Opportunity to play a key role in a high-impact regional infrastructure business

Exposure to cross-border trade and logistics at scale

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives

Dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment

• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities across mining, agriculture, and industrial sectors
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, partners, and government stakeholders
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to increase rail utilization and revenue
• Negotiate commercial agreements, contracts, and long-term partnerships
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and regional trade flows to inform strategy
• Collaborate closely with operations teams in Lobito and the DRC to ensure service delivery aligns with client expectations
• Provide key support on operations where required
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder engagements
• Prepare and present business cases, proposals, and performance reports to senior management
• Support corridor development initiatives and cross-border logistics solutions

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Economics, or a related field (MBA advantageous)
• 5–10 years’ experience in business development, commercial management, or sales within logistics, rail, mining, or infrastructure sectors
• Strong understanding of African trade corridors, particularly in Southern and Central Africa
• Proven track record of closing large, complex deals
• Experience working across multiple African jurisdictions (Angola/DRC experience highly advantageous)
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work independently and travel frequently within the region

Competencies

Strategic thinking and commercial acumen

Relationship building and influencing skills

Results-driven with strong execution capability

Cross-cultural awareness and adaptability

Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Key Relationships

• Internal: Regional Commercial team, Execution Team, Logistics Coordinators, Trade Support teams, Trade Operations teams; LAI Finance
• External: Freight Forwarders, Clients