Senior Business Development Manager (Air & Ocean Freight)
Senior Business Development Manager
Location: Heathrow (Hybrid)
Territory: National UK Coverage
Sector: Air & Ocean Freight Forwarding
Salary: Competitive Base + Bonus + Car Allowance
The Opportunity
Our client is a leading international freight forwarding and logistics provider seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to drive strategic growth across the UK market.
This high-impact, national sales role focuses on acquiring and developing SME customers with international air and ocean freight needs. Based at the Heathrow hub, you'll have the autonomy to build your territory, win new business, and become a key contributor to the company's UK growth strategy.
The business offers a strong operational platform, global network, and excellent support structure, allowing you to focus on what you do best: opening doors, building relationships, and securing profitable freight forwarding business.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a UK-wide business development strategy targeting SME importers and exporters.
- Win new air freight and ocean freight business across a variety of industry sectors.
- Generate leads through networking, referrals, market intelligence, and targeted outreach.
- Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting through to implementation.
- Conduct customer meetings, presentations, and commercial negotiations.
- Work closely with operational and pricing teams to deliver tailored solutions.
- Build a strong pipeline and maintain accurate activity through CRM systems.
- Identify opportunities to cross-sell additional logistics and supply chain services.
- Represent the business at industry events and networking functions.
Ideal Background
- Proven success in freight forwarding business development.
- Strong knowledge of air freight and ocean freight services.
- Experience selling to SME customers across the UK market.
- Existing network of importers, exporters, and logistics decision-makers.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to build profitable customer relationships.
- Self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and comfortable working autonomously.
- Excellent negotiation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to join a well-established and growing freight forwarding organisation.
- National remit with significant autonomy and visibility.
- Uncapped earning potential through a highly attractive bonus scheme.
- Strong operational support and competitive pricing structure.
- Genuine career progression opportunities within a growing international business.
Suitable Backgrounds
- Business Development Manager (Air & Ocean Freight)
- Senior Sales Executive
- Key Account Manager looking to move into a hunter role
- National Sales Manager
- Branch Sales Manager
- Commercial Development Manager
- Freight Forwarding Sales Manager
If you're a commercially driven freight forwarding professional with a track record of winning new air and ocean freight business and are looking for a platform to grow your career and earnings, we'd love to hear from you.
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