About Us

LITARM Consults is a fast-growing, innovative start-up offering integrated solutions in Recruitment, Manpower Management Services, Strategic Business Consulting, Business Process Automation (BPA), Training & Capacity Building, and Managed Project Services (MPS). Our client-focused approach and adoption of smart technologies ensure efficiency, reliability, and value creation. As we continue to expand, we are seeking passionate and driven professionals to grow with us and make a tangible impact.

Job Purpose

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for driving cocoa sourcing expansion across various regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The role focuses on supplier network development, partnership building, volume growth, market intelligence, and ensuring sustainable, high-quality cocoa procurement aligned with company export and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Cocoa Sourcing & Network Expansion

• Identify, onboard, and manage cocoa suppliers including farmers, cooperatives, aggregators, and buying agents across targeted regions in DRC.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to increase procurement volumes sustainably.
• Secure reliable supply chains to meet monthly and seasonal export targets.
• Establish regional buying centers where necessary.

Business Development & Market Growth

• Identify new sourcing territories with high cocoa production potential.
• Build strategic partnerships with cooperatives, NGOs, and local stakeholders.
• Explore opportunities for long-term supply agreements and contract farming models.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor buying activities.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with farmer groups and aggregators.
• Negotiate pricing structures aligned with company margin objectives.
• Provide guidance on quality standards and post-harvest handling practices.
• Resolve supplier disputes and maintain trust within the supply chain.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure sourced cocoa meets required quality, grading, and moisture standards.
• Work closely with quality control teams to minimize rejection rates.
• Ensure traceability and compliance with export and regulatory requirements.
• Promote ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.

Logistics & Coordination

• Coordinate with logistics teams for timely collection and transportation of cocoa.
• Monitor stock levels and forecast supply availability.
• Liaise with finance to ensure timely supplier payments and reconciliations.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Submit weekly and monthly sourcing performance reports.
• Track procurement volumes, pricing trends, and supplier performance.
• Provide regional market intelligence and production forecasts.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Diploma or Bachelors Degree in Agribusiness, Agriculture, Business Administration, International Business, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience in agricultural sourcing or commodity trading (cocoa experience strongly preferred).
• Proven track record in supplier network expansion and volume growth.
• Strong understanding of cocoa value chain and export market dynamics.
• Experience working in rural field environments within DRC or similar markets.
• Fluency in French is highly preferred; knowledge of local languages is an added advantage.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Knowledge of cocoa grading and quality standards.
• Market analysis and forecasting ability.
• Supply chain coordination and logistics planning skills.
• Ability to work independently in challenging field environments.
• Resilience and adaptability to dynamic market conditions