Field Sales Executive

Location: Basel or Zurich, Switzerland Industry: International Freight Forwarding & Logistics

About the Company

Our client is a privately owned global logistics and supply chain organisation recognised as one of the world's leading independent freight forwarding providers.

With operations spanning more than 100 countries and a network of thousands of logistics professionals worldwide, the business delivers end-to-end transport and supply chain solutions to customers ranging from fast-growing SMEs through to multinational corporations.

Built on a people-first culture and entrepreneurial mindset, the organisation combines the agility, responsiveness and customer focus of a privately owned business with the capabilities, global reach and financial strength of a major international logistics provider.

Through ongoing investment in technology, infrastructure and strategic expansion, the company has strengthened its position as a trusted logistics partner across a variety of global industries.

Its service offering includes:

• Air Freight
• Ocean Freight (FCL & LCL)
• Road Freight
• Rail Freight
• Customs Brokerage & Trade Compliance
• Warehousing & Contract Logistics
• Distribution & Fulfilment
• Project Logistics & Heavy Lift Transport
• Supply Chain Management
• Sustainable Logistics Solutions

Recent investments and international expansion initiatives have further enhanced the organisation's capabilities across specialist logistics sectors, reinforcing its commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused supply chain solutions worldwide.

The Switzerland Business

Switzerland represents a strategically important market within the wider European network.

Operating across Switzerland's German, French and Italian-speaking regions, the business provides customers with access to major global trade lanes throughout Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

Combining extensive international infrastructure with strong local expertise, the Swiss organisation supports customers with complex transportation requirements, customs compliance, cross-border movements and sophisticated supply chain challenges.

The business works closely with customers operating within highly regulated, time-critical and high-value sectors, including:

• Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
• Healthcare & Medical Devices
• Industrial Manufacturing
• Automotive
• Technology & Electronics
• Luxury Goods
• Aerospace
• Project Cargo
• Heavy Machinery
• Energy & Industrial Projects

The organisation is particularly recognised for delivering tailored logistics solutions where reliability, visibility, compliance and operational excellence are essential.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and commercially driven Field Sales Executive to join the company's growing commercial team in either Basel or Zurich.

This is a field-based, new business-focused role responsible for developing new customer relationships, expanding market share and generating profitable growth across Switzerland.

The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying opportunities, winning new customers and developing long-term strategic relationships across a variety of industries.

Working closely with operations, customer service, pricing and international network teams, you will have the opportunity to leverage a truly global platform whilst maintaining significant autonomy within your territory.

This role offers an excellent combination of entrepreneurial freedom, strong operational support and genuine career development opportunities within a growing international business.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Identify and secure new business opportunities throughout Switzerland.
• Develop and execute territory growth plans aligned with wider commercial objectives.
• Generate new customer meetings through proactive prospecting, networking, referrals and market mapping.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities.
• Develop relationships with key decision-makers across procurement, logistics, supply chain and operations functions.
• Achieve and exceed new business acquisition targets.

Customer Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain long-term customer relationships.
• Understand customers' logistics and supply chain challenges.
• Identify opportunities for account growth and cross-selling.
• Act as a trusted adviser to customers regarding freight forwarding and logistics solutions.
• Deliver exceptional levels of customer engagement and service.

Solution Development

• Assess customer requirements and design tailored logistics solutions.
• Promote air freight, ocean freight, road freight, customs brokerage, warehousing and broader supply chain services.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to build competitive commercial proposals.
• Present solutions aligned to customer operational and commercial objectives.
• Manage complex sales processes involving multiple stakeholders.

Commercial Management

• Prepare and present quotations, tenders and commercial proposals.
• Lead contract negotiations and pricing discussions.
• Ensure profitable and commercially viable customer solutions.
• Deliver against agreed revenue, margin and growth objectives.
• Maintain accurate sales forecasting and pipeline visibility.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Customer Service, Customs and Pricing teams.
• Support the successful implementation of new customer accounts.
• Collaborate with international offices to deliver global logistics solutions.
• Ensure a seamless customer experience following onboarding.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the business.

Market Intelligence

• Monitor market trends and industry developments.
• Analyse competitor activity and emerging opportunities.
• Identify changing customer requirements within target sectors.
• Provide market feedback to senior management and commercial leadership.
• Support the development of broader business growth strategies.

CRM & Reporting

• Maintain accurate customer records within the CRM system.
• Track opportunities throughout the entire sales cycle.
• Produce regular pipeline and forecast reports.
• Report on new business activity and commercial performance.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a motivated and commercially focused sales professional with a strong understanding of freight forwarding and international logistics.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in freight forwarding, logistics, transportation or supply chain sales.
• Proven track record of winning new business and developing customer accounts.
• Experience managing the full sales cycle from prospecting through to implementation.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Air Freight
  • Ocean Freight
  • Road Freight
  • Customs Brokerage
  • International Logistics
• Experience selling solution-led logistics services.
• Strong communication, presentation and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing abilities.
• Commercially astute with strong business acumen.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented.
• Ability to operate independently whilst collaborating effectively across teams.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Full driving licence.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Switzerland.

Language Requirements

• Fluent German (essential)
• Fluent English (essential)
• French would be advantageous
• Additional European languages would be considered beneficial

Preferred Background

We would be particularly interested in speaking with candidates currently working within:

• International Freight Forwarding
• Air & Ocean Freight Providers
• Logistics Service Providers
• Supply Chain Organisations
• Customs & Trade Compliance Businesses
• Contract Logistics Providers
• Multimodal Transport Companies

Relevant job titles may include:

• Field Sales Executive
• Sales Executive
• Freight Forwarding Sales Executive
• Business Development Executive
• Business Development Manager
• Territory Sales Manager
• Logistics Sales Specialist
• Account Executive
• Commercial Executive
• Key Account Development Executive

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, the successful candidate will:

• Build a strong and sustainable pipeline of opportunities.
• Secure and successfully onboard new customers.
• Develop relationships within key industry sectors.
• Deliver profitable revenue and gross profit growth.
• Establish themselves as a trusted commercial representative across Switzerland.
• Make a significant contribution to the continued growth of the Swiss business.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a globally recognised logistics and supply chain organisation.
• Access to an extensive international network operating across more than 100 countries.
• Significant autonomy and ownership of your territory.
• Strong operational and leadership support.
• Exposure to multinational customers and complex international supply chains.
• Competitive base salary.
• Attractive bonus and incentive structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Long-term international career progression opportunities.
• Stability and security within a privately owned growth business.
• Collaborative and people-focused culture built on long-term relationships and entrepreneurial thinking.

Why Join?

This position offers the opportunity to become part of a highly successful international organisation that combines the culture and agility of a privately owned business with the global reach, resources and capabilities of a leading freight forwarding provider.

For ambitious sales professionals who enjoy building relationships, winning new business and helping customers solve complex logistics challenges, this role provides an excellent platform for both commercial success and long-term career development.

Location: Basel or Zurich, Switzerland
Function: Sales / Business Development
Sector: Freight Forwarding & Logistics
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Travel: Regular travel throughout Switzerland required.