Freight Business Development Manager (Freight BDM)

Zafco Group Holding; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zafco Group Holding in Dubai is seeking a results-driven Freight Business Development professional to grow the freight services business across key trade lanes. You will identify opportunities, win new customers, and build robust relationships with shipping lines and freight partners to expand market share.

The role emphasizes negotiating rates, terms, and GP targets, while collaborating with operations to ensure service excellence and sustained profitability.

Qualifications

• 5–6 years of relevant experience in shipping/freight forwarding.
• Strong understanding of freight markets, shipping lanes and trade dynamics.
• Established relationships with shipping lines and freight forwarders.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies to expand freight services across targeted trade lanes.
• Identify and acquire new customers while nurturing existing relationships.
• Negotiate freight rates and commercial terms with carriers and service providers.
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline and drive GP targets.
• Coordinate with operations to ensure on-time delivery and service standards.
• Prepare reports on sales activities and GP performance and progress.
• Contribute to new trade lanes and partnerships.

Skills

Business development

Customer acquisition

Negotiation

Relationship management

Market analysis

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Job description

To drive business growth and profitability in freight services by developing new business opportunities building strong relationships with shipping lines and freight partners and acquiring new customers across the targeted trade lanes The role will be responsible for business development customer acquisition rate negotiations and achieving agreed Gross Profit GP targets strong Responsibilities strong

Develop and execute business development strategies to expand the company s freight business across the Far East India the Middle East and ASEAN trade lanes Identify and acquire new customers while developing existing customer relationships to generate sustainable business growth Leverage strong industry connections with shipping lines freight forwarders and other logistics partners to secure competitive freight rates and service agreements Negotiate freight rates and commercial terms with shipping lines and service providers to ensure market competitiveness and profitability Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective customers and business opportunities Develop and manage key customer accounts ensuring customer satisfaction retention and long-term business relationships Monitor market trends competitor activities freight rates and trade lane developments to identify new business opportunities Prepare commercial proposals quotations and business plans in line with the company s pricing and profitability guidelines Take ownership of business performance up to the Gross Profit GP level ensuring achievement of agreed GP targets and maintaining healthy profit margins Coordinate with operations and customer service teams to ensure smooth execution of business and delivery of committed service standards Prepare regular reports on sales activities customer acquisition shipment volumes GP performance and business development progress Contribute to the development of new trade lanes strategic partnerships and expansion opportunities

Minimum 5–6 years of relevant experience in the shipping and/or freight forwarding industry.Strong background in the shipping industry, with a good understanding of freight markets, shipping line operations, and international trade lanes.Freight forwarding experience is highly preferred.Established working relationships and strong connections with shipping lines.Good understanding of freight pricing, rate negotiations, trade lane dynamics, and commercial terms.Proven ability to develop new business, acquire customers, and achieve revenue and GP targets.A candidate with an existing customer portfolio or established customer base will have a distinct advantage.Strong negotiation, communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.Self-motivated, commercially driven, and capable of working independently to achieve business objectives.