Business Development Maritime

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global is seeking a Business Development Manager for ocean freight in Singapore. You will drive new business, target importers, exporters, manufacturers and traders, and manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to closing.

You will develop tailored FCL and LCL solutions, negotiate terms, and collaborate with pricing, operations and service teams to ensure profitable growth. Role requires 5+ years in freight/logistics sales, strong negotiation and relationship skills, and a

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, International Trade or related.
• Around 5+ years of Sales/Business Development experience in freight forwarding or logistics, preferably ocean freight.
• Good knowledge of FCL, LCL, import/export, shipping docs, Incoterms and trade lanes.
• Strong sales hunting with lead generation, account opening and closing capabilities.
• Existing customer network across importers, exporters, manufacturers and traders is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Drive new business development for ocean freight services.
• Identify opportunities with importers, exporters, manufacturers, traders and other B2B customers.
• Manage full sales cycle from prospecting to closing.
• Develop tailored FCL and LCL ocean freight solutions based on lanes and cargo needs.
• Build relationships with existing customers for upselling and cross-selling across freight services.
• Collaborate with pricing, operations and customer service to create competitive freight solutions.
• Negotiate terms while maintaining margins and revenue targets.
• Develop relationships with shipping lines and agents to support service offerings.
• Monitor market conditions and maintain an active sales pipeline with forecasts.
• Participate in customer visits and industry events to grow market presence.
• Aim to consistently achieve revenue, gross profit and new-business KPIs.

Skills

Sales hunting

Lead generation

Prospecting

Account development

Negotiation

Relationship management

Cold calling

Presentations

Education

Diploma in Logistics

Degree in International Trade

Job description

Business Development Manager – Ocean Freight

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business development for ocean freight services, with a strong focus on acquiring new customers and expanding the company's client portfolio.
• Identify and develop opportunities with importers, exporters, manufacturers, traders and other B2B customers requiring international freight forwarding solutions.
• Manage the full sales cycle, including prospecting, cold calling, client meetings, solution development, quotation, negotiation and closing.
• Develop tailored FCL and LCL ocean freight solutions based on customers' trade lanes, cargo requirements, transit times and commercial objectives.
• Build strong relationships with existing customers to identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities across freight forwarding and logistics services.
• Work closely with pricing, operations and customer service teams to develop competitive freight solutions and ensure smooth shipment execution.
• Negotiate commercial terms and pricing while maintaining appropriate profit margins and revenue targets.
• Develop relationships with shipping lines, overseas agents and logistics partners to support competitive service offerings.
• Monitor ocean freight rates, carrier capacity, market conditions and key trade-lane developments to identify new commercial opportunities.
• Maintain an active sales pipeline, prepare forecasts and provide regular updates on business development activities and potential accounts.
• Participate in customer visits, industry events and networking activities to increase the company's market presence.
• Consistently achieve agreed revenue, gross profit and new-business KPIs.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, International Trade or a related discipline.
• Around 5+ years of Sales/Business Development experience within freight forwarding or logistics, preferably with strong ocean freight exposure.
• Good knowledge of FCL, LCL, import/export processes, shipping documentation, Incoterms and international trade lanes.
• Strong sales hunting experience with a demonstrated ability to generate leads, open new accounts and close business.
• Existing customer network across importers, exporters, manufacturers and traders would be advantageous.
• Strong commercial understanding of freight rates, pricing, margins and customer profitability.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and relationship-management skills.
• Able to work independently and manage the sales process from lead generation through account conversion and development.