Sales Director

ZIM; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

ZIMLog USA is seeking an experienced Sales Director to lead our US sales organization from Chicago. You will drive revenue growth, build relationships with customers and carriers, and guide a high‑performing team in a fast‑paced logistics environment.

You’ll own strategic customer development, pricing decisions, and cross‑functional collaboration to expand our footprint while delivering profitable solutions for clients and the business.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in sales/business development within freight forwarding or logistics.
• Proven track record of acquiring new business and profitable growth.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing sales teams.
• Strong knowledge of logistics pricing, procurement, costing, and negotiations.
• Experience with CRM systems and sales performance metrics.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive business growth by developing and executing sales strategies that expand revenue and profitability.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing sales team with clear goals and KPIs.
• Strengthen customer and supplier relationships through pricing, procurement, and negotiations.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

CRM systems

MS Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Excel

Job description

Sales Director ZIMLog USA

Location: US-Chicago (US)

Experience Level: Director

Description

At ZIMLog USA, we're looking for an experienced and commercially driven Sales Director to lead our sales organization while remaining close to customers and the market. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands‑on sales leader who enjoys both developing people and winning business.

In this role, you'll be responsible for driving revenue and profitability growth, expanding our customer base, developing strategic customer relationships, and leading a high‑performing sales team. If you thrive in a fast‑paced logistics environment and have a strong background in freight forwarding, we'd love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

Drive Business Growth

• Develop and execute sales strategies that support continued business growth and profitability.
• Manage and grow your own portfolio of customers and prospects.
• Identify new business opportunities and expand existing customer relationships.
• Develop innovative logistics solutions and service offerings based on market needs.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer requirements.

Lead and Develop the Sales Team

• Lead a high‑performing Sales team.
• Set clear goals, performance expectations, and KPIs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support team development through regular feedback, coaching, and performance management.

Strengthen Customer and Supplier Relationships

• Build strong partnerships with customers, carriers, agents, and logistics providers.
• Oversee pricing, procurement, and commercial negotiations.
• Ensure competitive and profitable pricing solutions that meet customer needs.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

Required Experience

• 5+ years of sales and business development experience within the freight forwarding industry (must).
• Proven success in generating new business, growing customer portfolios, and delivering profitable results.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing sales teams.
• Strong knowledge of logistics pricing, procurement, costing, and commercial negotiations.
• Experience working with CRM systems and sales performance metrics.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership and people‑development capabilities.
• Excellent relationship‑building and customer‑facing skills.
• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on, results‑oriented mindset.
• Effective communicator and negotiator.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and make sound commercial decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Why Join ZIMLog?

At ZIMLog, you'll have the opportunity to influence business growth, shape commercial strategy, and develop a talented sales team while working within a global logistics organization. We value initiative, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus, and we're looking for leaders who are ready to make a meaningful impact.