Air & Sea Freight Business Developer

Red Recruits; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A freight and logistics specialist based in the East Midlands is seeking an experienced Air & Sea Freight Business Developer. The successful candidate will be crucial in driving growth by developing new business opportunities in air and sea freight while managing a profitable sales pipeline. The role requires at least 2 years of experience in freight forwarding. Attractive remuneration includes a salary of £40,000 - £50,000, car allowance, and a commission structure that rewards performance.

Benefits

Medical & life insurance after qualifying period

Fully funded mobile phone

Fully funded laptop

Car allowance

Uncapped commission scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in freight forwarding sales, ideally within air and sea freight.
• Strong operational knowledge and understanding of Incoterms.
• Proven track record in winning and developing profitable freight business.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new business opportunities in air and sea freight forwarding.
• Achieve a minimum annual target of £120,000-£150,000 gross profit.
• Promote the full range of services, including outsourced courier and road freight solutions.

Skills

Freight forwarding sales experience

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship-building skills

Self-motivated and target-driven

Job description

Air & Sea Freight Business Developer

Location: East Midlands area / Hybrid

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum + car allowance + uncapped commission

Benefits: Medical & life insurance (after qualifying period), fully funded mobile phone & laptop

Our Client

Our client is a multi award-winning freight and logistics specialist providing simple, effective, and reliable supply chain solutions. Their motto - "Consider it done" - reflects a commitment to getting things right first time.

They offer tailored logistics and customs services and, following recent business awards and significant investment in both technology and infrastructure, are entering a major growth phase. As part of this expansion, they are now looking to appoint an Air & Sea Freight Business Developer to help shape the next phase of their growth.

The Role

This brand-new Air & Sea Freight Business Developer position is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced freight salesperson to play a pivotal role in the company's expansion.

You will take ownership of developing new business opportunities across all aspects of the operation, with a primary focus on air and sea freight and specialist movements such as cross-trade, with additional outsourced courier and road freight options available.

The successful candidate will be responsible for generating and managing a profitable sales pipeline, achieving a minimum of £120,000-£150,000 gross profit per annum, and building long-term client relationships. You will have the autonomy to grow the role, backed by a supportive leadership team and robust operational capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new business opportunities in air and sea freight forwarding.
• Achieve a minimum annual target of £120,000-£150,000 gross profit.
• Promote the full range of services, including outsourced courier and road freight solutions.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular communication and effective account management.
• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure a smooth transition from sale to service delivery.
• Use a sound understanding of Incoterms and freight operations to provide accurate, value‑led solutions.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and sales reporting.
• Represent the company professionally within the market.

Candidate Profile

Essential

• Minimum 2 years' experience in freight forwarding sales, ideally within air and sea freight.
• Strong operational knowledge and understanding of Incoterms.
• Proven track record in winning and developing profitable freight business.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Self‑motivated, target‑driven, and commercially astute.

Desirable

• Experience in customs processes or multi‑modal logistics.
• Existing network of SME or mid‑market clients.
• Experience in both B2B and key account development.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Basic salary £40,000 - £50,000 (depending on experience).
• Car allowance.
• Uncapped commission scheme (20% on new sales in year one, 5% lifetime thereafter).
• Medical and life insurance (after qualifying period).
• Fully funded mobile phone and laptop.
• Genuine autonomy to shape and grow a new commercial function within an ambitious, award‑winning logistics business.

Application & Next Steps

If you have the required freight forwarding sales experience and would like to know more about this Air & Sea Freight Business Developer opportunity, please apply today with your CV in confidence.

Red Recruit specialise in freight and shipping recruitment, with opportunities across all levels. Not all of our roles are advertised, so if this position is not quite right, you are welcome to send us your CV for future vacancies.

If you know someone who could be a good fit, please feel free to share this advert or send us their details. Successful referrals may qualify for our candidate referral scheme (subject to terms and conditions).