Business Development Manager

Procurement People; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global logistics provider in Southeast England is hiring a Business Development Manager to drive growth in perishables and retail. This role includes managing client relationships and P&L responsibilities, offering a unique opportunity to impact the logistics industry during a time of investment and innovation. Candidates should have a strong track record in business development and skills in navigating the fast-paced logistics landscape.

Qualifications

• Proven success in business development within logistics sectors.
• Experience in perishables and food distribution is essential.
• Strong grasp of P&L and commercial negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Manage development of a high-value client portfolio.
• Oversee full commercial lifecycle from strategy to account growth.
• Build client relationships and develop tailored value propositions.
• Drive data-informed decision-making and market mapping.

Skills

Business development in logistics

Client relationship management

Communication skills

P&L management

Job description

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Business Development Manager – Global Logistics
Location: Southeast England (Hybrid with UK Travel)
Sector: Commercial, Logistics, Supply Chain

Are you a commercially driven professional ready to accelerate your career in one of the world’s most essential and fast-moving industries? This is your chance to join a leading global freight and cargo logistics provider during a time of bold investment, innovation, and growth.

With a vast network, advanced facilities, and a mission to redefine excellence in cargo handling and supply chain performance, this business plays a critical role in the smooth flow of goods across borders and industries.

They are now seeking a Business Development Manager to lead growth across the perishables and retail verticals—unlocking new opportunities, deepening client relationships, and delivering tangible commercial results across the end-to-end logistics journey.

Why This Role Is a Standout Opportunity

• Global influence, local impact: Operate within a world-class logistics group while driving change and results across the UK market.
• End-to-end visibility: Shape solutions that span the entire cargo journey—from ship to shelf.
• Perishables focus with diverse exposure: Lead commercial strategy in a critical growth sector, while supporting freight, cruise, and infrastructure diversification.
• Strategic autonomy: Collaborate with senior leaders and own the commercial delivery for your portfolio.
• Momentum: Join at a time of major investment in infrastructure, digital systems, and customer experience.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the development and performance of a high-value client portfolio, with a focus on perishables, supermarkets, importers, and logistics providers.
• Manage the full commercial lifecycle—from strategy and business development through to account growth and P&L responsibility.
• Build deep client relationships, identify new opportunities, and develop compelling value propositions tailored to each sector’s unique needs.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders in operations, planning, and service delivery to ensure a seamless, high-quality customer experience.
• Support broader commercial initiatives across freight, cargo handling, infrastructure, and logistics partnerships.
• Drive data-informed decision-making, commercial forecasting, and market mapping.
• Represent the business at industry events and develop meaningful partnerships across the sector.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven success in business development or account management within freight, cargo, or wider logistics/supply chain sectors.
• Experience working with perishables, food distribution, supermarkets, shipping lines, or third-party logistics providers.
• A strong grasp of P&L, margin management, and commercial negotiations.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across internal and external stakeholders.
• Confident working in a fast-paced, evolving commercial landscape.
• Project management and/or proposal writing experience is a plus.
• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the UK and occasionally abroad.

Be Part of Something Bigger

This isn’t just a business development role—it’s a career-defining opportunity within a forward-thinking freight and cargo logistics business that moves critical goods across the globe. With a strong reputation, clear commercial ambition, and a commitment to innovation, this is your chance to help shape the next chapter of growth.

Ready to lead? Let’s talk.