Business Development Manager - Uk
Business Development Manager - Japanese Customers (UK)
Drive Strategic Growth for a Leading Global Logistics Provider
We are partnering with a leading, globally recognised logistics service provider to appoint a high-calibre Business Development Manager focused on developing and expanding relationships with Japanese multinational customers across the United Kingdom.
This is a pivotal commercial role with full ownership of new business development, targeting freight forwarding (air, ocean, road) and contract logistics solutions. You will act as a key ambassador for the business within the Japanese corporate community, leveraging both your language skills and cultural understanding to unlock growth opportunities and deliver tailored, high-value logistics solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- New Business Development
- Identify, target, and win new business opportunities within the Japanese corporate segment in the UK
- Develop a structured sales pipeline, managing the full sales cycle from prospecting through to contract award
- Build and execute strategic account plans aligned with revenue and margin targets
- Customer Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders within Japanese clients, including senior decision-makers
- Act as the primary commercial interface, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and long-term retention
- Understand client supply chains in depth to proactively identify opportunities for additional services
- Solution Selling
- Promote a broad portfolio of services including air & ocean freight, road transport, warehousing, and value-added logistics solutions
- Collaborate with internal operations, product, and solution design teams to create tailored, competitive proposals
- Lead commercial negotiations and manage RFQs/RFPs through to closure
- Market & Sector Engagement
- Develop a strong presence in the Japanese business community in the UK (events, networks, chambers, etc.)
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer requirements to refine sales strategies
Core Competencies & Experience
- Freight Forwarding Expertise
- Strong understanding of international freight forwarding operations, including air and ocean logistics, pricing structures, and service delivery models
- Contract Logistics & Supply Chain Knowledge
- Experience selling warehousing, distribution, or integrated supply chain solutions
- Ability to translate operational capabilities into compelling commercial value propositions
- Proven Business Development Track Record
- Demonstrated success in securing new logos and delivering sustainable revenue growth
- Experience managing complex, solution-based sales cycles
- Language & Cultural Fluency
- Fluent Japanese (essential) with the ability to engage confidently with Japanese stakeholders
- Strong understanding of Japanese business culture and decision-making processes
- Stakeholder Management & Collaboration
- Ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams across operations, pricing, and leadership
- Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills
Profile Sought
- Commercially driven, target-oriented, and highly self-motivated
- Strong network or access to Japanese corporates in the UK (advantageous)
- Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically
- Resilient and adaptable, with a hands-on approach to business development
Why Join?
- Opportunity to join a top-tier, globally recognised logistics provider with a strong market reputation
- High-visibility role with direct impact on UK growth strategy within a key customer segment
- Collaborative and international working environment
- Competitive compensation package with strong performance-related incentives
- Clear career progression within a dynamic and expanding organisation
If you are looking to leverage your Japanese language skills within a high-impact commercial logistics role, this is an outstanding opportunity to accelerate your career.
Apply now to be part of a market-leading team driving growth across a strategic customer base.
FAQs
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