Business Development Manager

Loom Talent; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Performance bonus

Job summary

A Middlesbrough-based freight forwarder is seeking a commercially driven Business Development Manager to grow its Ocean Freight offering across the UK. You will own the full sales cycle, securing profitable new accounts and developing strategic relationships with importers and exporters.

You will operate in Ocean Import and Export, collaborating with operations to ensure smooth onboarding and exceptional service.

Qualifications

• Experience as BDM/BD Executive in Ocean Freight or freight forwarding.
• Strong knowledge of Ocean Import/Export and international freight forwarding services.
• Proven track record of winning new business and achieving sales targets.
• Existing relationships within manufacturing, retail, industrial or import/export sectors are a plus.
• Full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new Ocean Freight opportunities across the UK.
• Develop long-term relationships with importers, exporters and key decision-makers.
• Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to negotiation and onboarding.
• Selling tailored Ocean Import and Export solutions to meet customer needs.
• Collaborate with operations to ensure smooth onboarding and service.
• Grow existing accounts through cross-selling and strategic development.
• Maintain sales pipeline, CRM records and revenue forecasts.
• Monitor market activity and identify new commercial opportunities.
• Collaborate with logistics teams to maximise customer service and growth.

Skills

Ocean Freight sales

New business development

Sales negotiation

Account management

Relationship-building

Job description

Business Development Manager (Ocean Freight) - Middlesbrough - £65,000 - £70,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus

The Role

This Business Development Manager opportunity is with a well-established freight forwarding business based in Middlesbrough, looking to strengthen its Ocean Freight offering across the UK.

The business is seeking a commercially driven Business Development Manager with a proven track record of winning new business within Ocean Freight. You'll be responsible for developing strategic customer relationships, securing profitable new accounts and growing the company's presence across Ocean Import and Export services.

Working closely with the wider Logistics distribution and supply chain function, you'll have the autonomy to develop your territory while ensuring customers receive an exceptional level of service from initial engagement through to implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Identifying and securing new Ocean Freight business opportunities across the UK
• Developing long-term relationships with importers, exporters and key decision-makers
• Managing the full sales cycle from prospecting through to commercial negotiation and account implementation
• Selling tailored Ocean Import and Export solutions to meet customer requirements
• Working closely with operational teams to ensure a seamless customer onboarding experience
• Growing existing customer accounts through cross-selling and strategic account development
• Maintaining an accurate sales pipeline, CRM records and revenue forecasts
• Monitoring market activity and identifying new commercial opportunities
• Collaborating with the wider Logistics distribution and supply chain teams to maximise customer service and long-term growth

Key Experience

• Proven experience operating as a Business Development Manager, Business Development Executive or Senior Sales professional within Ocean Freight or Freight Forwarding
• Strong knowledge of Ocean Import, Ocean Export and international freight forwarding services
• Demonstrable track record of winning new business and consistently achieving sales targets
• Existing relationships within manufacturing, retail, industrial or import/export sectors would be advantageous
• Strong commercial awareness with excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Experience working within a Logistics distribution and supply chain environment
• Self-motivated, target-driven and comfortable managing a regional sales territory
• Full UK driving licence required

This Business Development Manager role in Middlesbrough offers an excellent opportunity to join a growing freight forwarding business, with a competitive salary of £65,000 - £70,000, alongside a car allowance, generous bonus structure and genuine long-term career progression.