Business Developer – Freight Forwarding (Import Ocean Freight)

SDW Recruitment Limited; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based commission

Company car or allowance

Remote and field-based working

Private medical insurance

Job summary

SDW Recruitment Limited is recruiting a dynamic Business Developer for a UK logistics group, specialising in Import Sea Freight and FCL. You will own your territory, win new business and earn commission, with a basic salary of £45,000–£55,000 plus a company car or allowance.

This field-based, predominantly remote role lets you manage your own sales activity across the UK. You will generate leads, build a strong pipeline, present tailored freight-forwarding proposals and expand cross-sell

Qualifications

• Proven B2B sales experience within freight forwarding, Import Sea Freight and FCL.
• Track record of generating leads, winning new customers and developing profitable accounts.
• Good knowledge of international shipping, container transport and logistics.
• Ability to manage appointments and sales pipeline independently.

Responsibilities

• Identify, target and win new business within Import Sea Freight and FCL.
• Generate leads, build a strong pipeline and convert opportunities.
• Develop tailored freight forwarding proposals and negotiate solutions.
• Meet prospective and existing customers across the UK to build relationships.
• Promote additional logistics services and ensure smooth handover with operations.
• Maintain CRM records, sales activity reports and pipeline updates.
• Achieve agreed sales targets and KPIs relating to new business and profitability.

Skills

B2B sales experience

Freight forwarding

Import Sea Freight

FCL services

Lead generation

Negotiation

CRM usage

Driving licence

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

UK-Based / Remote & Field Sales | £45,000 – £55,000 DOE + Commission + Company Car or Allowance Permanent | Full-Time

Are you an ambitious freight forwarding sales professional with a proven track record in Import Sea Freight and FCL sales? Ready to take ownership of your territory, develop new business and earn commission for delivering results?

We’re recruiting for an established, growing logistics group looking for a driven Business Developer to expand its Import Sea Freight offering.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded sales professional who thrives on winning new business, building lasting customer relationships and turning opportunities into profitable, long-term accounts.

With a competitive basic salary, performance-related commission, company car or allowance and the freedom to manage your own sales activity, this is a role where your expertise and results will make a real difference.

About the Role

As Business Developer, your primary focus will be identifying, developing and securing new customers for the company’s Import Sea Freight services, particularly Full Container Load (FCL) shipments.

You’ll be responsible for generating your own leads, developing a strong sales pipeline and converting opportunities into regular, profitable business.

Working closely with an experienced sales and operations team, you’ll also have the opportunity to introduce customers to a wider range of logistics solutions, including container transport, deliveries, export freight and container sales and hire.

This is a predominantly field-based role, combining remote working with regular face-to-face customer meetings across the UK. You’ll have the autonomy to manage your diary, build relationships and drive your own success.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Identifying, targeting and winning new business within the Import Sea Freight and FCL market.
• Proactively generating leads through prospecting, networking, customer visits and re‑engaging dormant accounts.
• Building and managing a strong pipeline of potential customers and commercial opportunities.
• Developing tailored freight forwarding proposals and negotiating competitive, profitable solutions.
• Meeting prospective and existing customers across the UK to build relationships and secure new business.
• Promoting additional logistics services, including container haulage, transport and wider freight forwarding solutions.
• Working closely with operations to ensure a smooth handover of new customers and shipments.
• Managing customer relationships to maximise repeat business, profitability and long‑term growth.
• Maintaining accurate CRM records, sales activity reports and pipeline updates.
• Achieving agreed sales targets and KPIs relating to new business, profit generation and customer engagement.

What Our Client Is Looking For

We’re looking for a confident, proactive sales professional who understands the freight forwarding market and knows how to turn opportunities into business.

You’ll ideally bring

• Proven B2B sales experience within freight forwarding, with a strong background in Import Sea Freight and FCL services.
• A successful track record of generating leads, winning new customers and developing profitable accounts.
• Good commercial knowledge of international shipping, container transport and logistics.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship‑ building skills.
• A proactive, self‑motivated approach with the drive to exceed sales targets.
• Strong organisational skills and the confidence to manage your own appointments and sales pipeline.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with sales and operations colleagues.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications, with CRM experience advantageous.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly for customer meetings.

Experience across additional freight forwarding or container transport services would be advantageous. Most importantly, you’ll be someone who enjoys the challenge of new business development, is commercially astute and has the determination to turn prospects into loyal, long‑term customers.

What’s on Offer

• £45,000 – £55,000 basic salary, depending on experience.
• Performance‑related commission scheme rewarding your sales success.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Remote and field‑based working, with autonomy to manage your sales schedule.
• Company mobile phone.
• Private medical insurance following a qualifying period.
• The opportunity to sell a broad portfolio of freight forwarding and logistics services.
• The chance to play a key role in growing an established logistics business.

If you’re an experienced Freight Forwarding Business Developer with a passion for Import Sea Freight, a strong commercial mindset and the drive to win new business, we’d love to hear from you.