Business Development Manager

CONTEXT

Every day, millions of kilograms of plastic end up in nature. Plastics do not decompose and stay around forever, causing harm to people, animals and the environment. Our vision is to create a world in which rivers are free of plastics.

OUR STORY

River Cleanup started in 2017 with a 10-minute cleanup and was founded in Antwerp in 2019 as a nonprofit organization. To date, we have activated +370.000 volunteers via +7.600 events in 102 countries, removed 3,9 million kilograms of river waste from nature and developed the Clean River Model as an open-source theory of change for plastic-free rivers.

Through strategic and early interventions in the plastic lifecycle, we turn off the tap on new plastic pollution and permanently remove legacy waste on land and in rivers. The Clean River Model consists of 3 pillars (Empower people, Prevent pollution and Accelerate change) and 3 enablers (Assessment, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation). Together, they encompass the entire lifecycle of river plastics. We are validating the Clean River Model in three action zones in 2025/2026 and will scale-up the implementation to 100 rivers by 2030.

YOUR ROLE

As our Business Development Manager, you play a crucial part in securing the resources required to achieve our mission. You are responsible for identifying, developing and closing new corporate partnerships while expanding revenue opportunities with existing partners. You actively build and manage a pipeline of prospects, while growing relationships and opportunities with existing partners, and contribute directly to River Cleanup’s growth ambitions.

Corporate partnerships are our main source of revenue. We aim to significantly increase both the number and value of our corporate partnerships. You will play a leading role in managing existing corporate accounts, identifying new opportunities, engaging decision-makers, developing partnership propositions and converting prospects into long-term strategic partners. Everything we do in our fundraising aims to provide our partners with the best possible experience at every interaction. As River Cleanup, we are well-positioned to provide added value for our corporate partners in relation to a wide variety of corporate goals, ranging from CSR, ESG, sales, marketing, PR, brand, people, HR, and innovation.

You will:

• Lead the identification, qualification and cultivation of new corporate partnership opportunities internationally.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective corporate partners while taking ownership of selected strategic accounts.
• Proactively generate new business opportunities through networking, outreach, referrals, events and strategic relationship building.
• Identify and engage senior decision-makers in CSR, ESG, Sustainability, Marketing, HR, Communications and Executive Leadership functions.
• Lead partnership meetings, presentations and negotiations to secure new commitments and increase partner investment.
• Develop compelling partnership proposals and business cases that align River Cleanup's impact objectives with corporate priorities.
• Support the negotiation and closing of partnership agreements.
• Manage and develop existing corporate accounts
• Work cross-functionally with communications, operations and program teams to develop partnership opportunities and deliver high-impact corporate engagement experiences.
• (Co-) develop and maintain tools and processes for corporate partners.
• Contribute to the corporate fundraising strategy for 2026-2030.
• Maintain accurate pipeline, opportunity and account data in Salesforce (CRM) to support forecasting and revenue growth.

Requirements

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO THRIVE IN THIS ROLE

• An entrepreneurial spirit with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven successful experience in business development, corporate partnerships, fundraising, B2B sales, account growth or strategic relationship management.
• Demonstrated ability to originate opportunities, build pipelines and close commercial or partnership agreements.
• Comfortable engaging and influencing senior stakeholders and executive decision-makers.
• Results-oriented mindset with the ability to balance relationship-building and revenue generation.
• Experience in cultivating and building relationships with companies and global brands is an asset.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on mentality & attention to detail.
• Strong people, communication and negotiation skills.
• Impeccable written and spoken English and Dutch or French. Other languages are an asset.
• The proven ability to work independently and demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• The embodiment of our values: positive, inclusive, expert, responsible, impact-driven.
• A high degree of flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced scale-up environment.
• A valid driving licence and the ability to travel when required.

EXPECTATIONS

• Growth in the number of new corporate partnerships secured.
• Growth in annual corporate partnership revenue.
• Realize corporate partnership promises
• Development of a healthy and sustainable partnership pipeline.
• Increased value and retention of strategic partner accounts.
• Contribution to River Cleanup's long-term fundraising and growth objectives.
• Impeccable CRM track record of accounts.

Benefits

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to have an impact at the forefront of making rivers plastic-free.
• Being part of a growing, dynamic and fun team.
• A non-profit competitive benefits package incl. 20+6 paid vacation days
• DKV hospitalisation insurance
• The opportunity to use River Cleanup electric vehicles for work-related travel
• Compensation for bicycle commuting and meal vouchers
• Free lunch on Tuesdays!

DETAILS

• We offer up to two remote working days per week. Tuesday and Thursday are mandatory in-office days, while the remaining working days can be agreed upon with your manager in line with team and business needs.
• To help you settle in and connect with the team, we ask new starters to be on-site as much as possible during the first 6 months before transitioning to the standard arrangement.
• This position is a full-time position (39 hrs / five days).
• Starting date: asap

HOW TO APPLY

At River Cleanup, we believe in the power of diversity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We encourage everyone to apply, regardless of age, gender, origin, or physical abilities.

Together for clean rivers!