Business Development Executive (Freight Forwarding and Logistics) – Jhb/ Cpt

ENVIRONMENT:

An established, independent Freight Forwarding and Logistics company is seeking a driven and commercially minded Sales Executive / Business Development Executive to join its team.

The company provides freight forwarding, import and export, transportation, warehousing and supply chain solutions to businesses across various industries.

This opportunity is ideally suited to a motivated new business hunter who has experience within the logistics industry, enjoys developing client relationships and is driven by the opportunity to earn commission.

Unlike larger corporate environments, the company operates with a collaborative, open-door culture where teamwork, flexibility and a hands-on approach are highly valued.

The successful candidatewill be comfortable working within a smaller, dynamic team, taking ownership of business development opportunities and collaborating closely with colleagues across different operational functions.

DUTIES:

• Identify, prospect and secure new business opportunities within the freight forwarding, logistics and supply chain sectors.
• Actively develop a pipeline of prospective customers through cold calling, networking, referrals and direct client engagement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors and other businesses requiring logistics solutions.
• Promote the company's freight forwarding, transportation, warehousing and associated logistics services.
• Identify customer requirements and work with internal teams to develop suitable, competitive logistics solutions.
• Prepare and present proposals, quotations and service offerings to prospective clients.
• Negotiate commercial terms and convert qualified opportunities into profitable business.
• Develop relationships with key decision-makers, including Logistics Managers, Supply Chain Managers, Procurement Managers and Business Owners.
• Conduct regular client visits, meetings and presentations.
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and provide regular updates on opportunities, client engagement and business development activities.
• Work closely with Operations, Pricing and Management to ensure customer requirements are understood and met.
• Identify opportunities to expand services within existing customer relationships.
• Stay informed about logistics industry developments, competitor activity and market opportunities.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative team environment and assist across functions when required.

REQUIREMENTS:

Essential Experience:

• Previous sales or business development experience within the logistics, transport, distribution, freight forwarding or broader supply chain industry.
• Proven ability to generate new business and develop client relationships.
• Strong prospecting, negotiation and closing skills.
• Good understanding of logistics services and the commercial requirements of business customers.
• Experience dealing with corporate clients, business owners and operational decision-makers.
• A demonstrated ability to manage a sales pipeline and work towards revenue targets.
• Strong communication, presentation and relationship-building skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive and commercially driven.
• Comfortable working in a commission-focused sales environment.
• Willingness to conduct client visits and actively develop new business.

Preferred Industry Experience:

Candidates with sales experience in any of the following industries would be particularly relevant:

• International freight forwarding.
• Airfreight and sea freight services.
• Import and export logistics.
• Customs clearing and forwarding.
• Cross-border freight solutions.
• Multimodal freight transportation.

• Road freight and commercial transportation.
• National and regional distribution.
• Third-party logistics (3PL).
• Contract logistics.
• Fleet and transport solutions.

• Warehousing and storage solutions.
• Contract warehousing.
• Distribution centre services.
• Supply chain solutions.
• Cold chain logistics.