Business Development Manager

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive new international freight forwarder accounts from Chicago. You will target companies with global fulfillment needs, opening doors and converting opportunities into revenue growth.

You’ll lead a full sales cycle, from initial outreach to closing, while collaborating with internal teams to deliver tailored Air & Ocean freight solutions and ensure smooth handoffs during implementation.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in international freight forwarding sales or business development.
• Proven track record of winning new business.
• Experience managing the full sales cycle.
• Strong knowledge of Air & Ocean Freight and the Chicago market.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across the Chicago market.
• Build relationships with shippers, importers, exporters and senior decision-makers.
• Generate new Air & Ocean Freight opportunities and manage the sales process from initial contact through close.
• Develop tailored freight solutions based on customer requirements.
• Prepare and negotiate pricing, proposals and commercial agreements.
• Work with internal teams for smooth transition from sales to implementation.
• Maintain a strong pipeline and accurate CRM activity.
• Develop long-term customer relationships and identify opportunities for growth.
• Consistently work toward and achieve new business and revenue targets.

Skills

Sales

New business development

Negotiation

Relationship building

Communication

Lead generation

Job description

Business Development Manager – International Freight Forwarding

Chicago, IL

We’re working with an established freight forwarding business in Chicago that is looking to add a proven Business Development Manager to its commercial team.

This is a genuine new business opportunity for someone who knows how to identify opportunities, open doors and turn relationships into long-term international freight accounts.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for driving new business across the Chicago market, targeting companies with international supply chain requirements and developing relationships with key decision-makers.

You’ll have the support of an experienced internal team, with the focus of this position firmly on winning new customers and growing revenue.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across the Chicago market
• Build relationships with shippers, importers, exporters and senior decision-makers
• Generate new Air & Ocean Freight opportunities and manage the sales process from initial contact through close
• Develop tailored freight solutions based on customer requirements
• Prepare and negotiate pricing, proposals and commercial agreements
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure a smooth transition from sales through implementation
• Maintain a strong pipeline and accurate CRM activity
• Develop long-term customer relationships and identify opportunities for further growth
• Consistently work toward and achieve new business and revenue targets

What We’re Looking For

International freight forwarding experience is essential, with a strong background in Air & Ocean sales and new business development.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• 3+ years of experience in international freight forwarding sales or business development
• A proven track record of winning new business
• Strong knowledge of Air & Ocean Freight
• Existing knowledge of the Chicago market and/or relevant shipper relationships
• Experience managing the full sales cycle
• Strong commercial negotiation and communication skills
• The ability to build relationships at multiple levels within an organization
• A self-motivated, commercially driven approach