Area Business Development Manager - Chicago, IL

American President Lines; Melrose Park, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) with company match

Flexible PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

CEVA Logistics in Chicago is seeking an Area Business Development Manager to drive air and ocean freight sales across the Americas. This role focuses on building a strong pipeline, securing new clients, and delivering customized logistics solutions with cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates have at least five years in freight forwarding or B2B sales, a deep understanding of international trade lanes, and a proven ability to exceed targets in a matrixed environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum five years in freight forwarding, logistics or outside sales (B2B).
• Proven track record of winning new business in a competitive environment.
• Strong understanding of international logistics, customs and trade lanes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Proficient in MS Office; knowledge of Cargowise One is a plus.
• Self-motivated, ambitious and results-oriented.
• Sales achievements in base-plus-commission environments with matrixed sales.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a personal sales pipeline aligned with company goals.
• Develop and maintain functional knowledge of the products, services and operations offered by the company.
• Secure new air and ocean freight business to meet or exceed sales targets.
• Conduct client visits (virtual and in-person) to build relationships and close deals.
• Lead tender submissions and manage spot and regular quotations with internal support.
• Apply consultative sales techniques to deliver value-driven customer experiences.
• Collaborate with operations, procurement, and finance teams to ensure service excellence.
• Report on sales activity, pipeline performance, and revenue forecasts.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Self-motivated

Sales achievements

International logistics

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Cargowise One

Job description

Area Business Development Manager - Chicago, IL

CEVA Logistics provides global supply chain solutions to connect people, products, and providers all around the world. Present in 170+ countries and with more than 110,000 employees spread over 1,500 sites, we are proud to be a Top 5 global 3PL.

We believe that our employees are the key to our success. We want to engage and empower our diverse, global team to co-create value with our customers through our solutions in contract logistics and air, ocean, ground, and finished vehicle transport. That is why CEVA Logistics offers a dynamic and exceptional work environment that fosters personal growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.

DARE TO GROW! Join CEVA Logistics, and you will be part of a team that values imagination and continued learning and is committed to excellence in everything we do. Join us in our mission to shape the future of global logistics. As we continue growing at a fast pace, will you “Dare to Grow” with us?

Pay Range: $108,000 to $136,000 YOUR ROLE

The Business Development Manager – Air & Ocean Sales is responsible for generating new freight forwarding business across air and ocean logistics. This role focuses on building a robust sales pipeline, securing new clients, and collaborating with internal teams to deliver customized logistics solutions. It requires a strong background in international freight forwarding and a proactive, target-driven approach.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

Develop and manage a personal sales pipeline aligned with company goals.

Develop and maintain functional knowledge of the products, services and operations offered by the company.

Secure new air and ocean freight business to meet or exceed sales targets.

Conduct client visits (virtual and in-person) to build relationships and close deals.

Lead tender submissions and manage spot and regular quotations with internal support.

Apply consultative sales techniques to deliver value-driven customer experiences.

Collaborate with operations, procurement, and finance teams to ensure service excellence.

Report on sales activity, pipeline performance, and revenue forecasts.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Education and Experience: High School Diploma and or GED:

Bachelors Degree Preferred

Minimum five years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or outside sales (B2B) experience.

Proven track record of winning new business in a competitive environment.

Strong understanding of international logistics, customs, and trade lanes.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Proficiency in MS Office; knowledge of Cargowise One is a plus.

Self-motivated, ambitious, and results-oriented.

Demonstrated history of sales achievements in Base plus commission environment with experience closing sales in a matrixed environment.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO OFFER?

Ability to thrive in a target-driven environment.

Strong leadership in client meetings and sales strategy.

Existing customer relationships in relevant regions.

Entrepreneurial mindset with a collaborative spirit.

ABOUT TOMORROW

We value your professional and personal growth. That’s why we share plenty of career opportunities for you to thrive within CEVA. This role can be the first step on your career path with us. You can stay in the same job family, find a new family to grow in (how about sales or supply chain?) or find your own path. Join CEVA for a challenging and rewarding career.

CEVA operates in a multicultural, global environment and is a richly diverse organization operating seamlessly as one company. We aim to attract, motivate and retain the best people in our industry, whatever their background. We share the same passion to deliver world-class solutions to our customers. We have the best supply chain professionals in the industry and develop this talent in an inspiring work environment.

CEVA Logistics is proud to be an equal opportunity work place and an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individual with Disabilities.

Please note: Legitimate CEVA Logistics recruitment processes include communication with candidates through recognized professional networks, such as LinkedIn or via an official company email address: [e-mail]. We recommend that you do not respond to unsolicited business propositions and/or offers from people with whom you are unfamiliar.

Information provided is true and accurate. False statements or information will result in the application voided.

• Outstanding benefits for employee and family including multiple health plans(company contribution to health savings account), prescription, dental and vision coverage.
• Company paid life insurance, accident insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage and employee assistance plan.
• Voluntary benefits including additional life insurance, AD&D coverage, buy-up short- and long-term disability, critical illness, identify theft & legal plan.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Flexible Paid Time Off programs including company paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement program.