Sales Executive

Thomas Freight; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary 80k-120k

Uncapped commissions

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Career growth

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Thomas Freight is seeking a Sales Executive to drive new business in the Chicago market, leveraging an international network of air and ocean freight capabilities. You will prospect and close customers while building long-term relationships with importers, exporters, manufacturers, and distributors.

You will present tailored logistics solutions, negotiate contracts, and maintain a robust sales pipeline. This role offers a strong base and uncapped commissions, backed by a global freight

Qualifications

• 3+ years of outside sales in international freight forwarding.
• Proven success selling air and ocean freight services.
• Existing network of customers and industry contacts is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of international logistics, Incoterms, customs processes, and supply chain solutions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage a sales territory independently.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic plan to generate new business within the Chicago market and surrounding region.
• Prospect, qualify, and secure new customers requiring international air and ocean freight services.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and other key decision-makers.
• Present customized logistics and supply chain solutions tailored to customer needs.
• Prepare pricing proposals, negotiate contracts, and close new business opportunities.
• Work closely with operations and customer service teams to ensure seamless execution and exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and consistently achieve or exceed revenue and gross profit targets.
• Keep current with market trends, carrier developments, and competitor activity.

Skills

Outside sales

Air freight

Ocean freight

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Territory management

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client, a well-established mid-sized global freight forwarder, is seeking an experienced Sales Executive to join their growing team in the Chicago market. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated logistics sales professional to build new business while leveraging a strong international network and comprehensive freight forwarding solutions.

If you have a proven track record in air and ocean freight sales and enjoy developing long-term customer relationships, we’d like to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a strategic plan to generate new business within the Chicago market and surrounding region.
• Prospect, qualify, and secure new customers requiring international air and ocean freight services.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and other key decision-makers.
• Present customized logistics and supply chain solutions tailored to customer needs.
• Prepare pricing proposals, negotiate contracts, and close new business opportunities.
• Work closely with operations and customer service teams to ensure seamless execution and exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and consistently achieve or exceed revenue and gross profit targets.
• Keep current with market trends, carrier developments, and competitor activity.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of outside sales experience within international freight forwarding.
• Demonstrated success selling air freight and ocean freight services.
• Existing network of customers and industry contacts is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of international logistics, Incoterms, customs processes, and supply chain solutions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage a sales territory independently.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office.

WHAT’S ON OFFER

• Base salary of $80,000–$120,000, depending on experience.
• Uncapped commission structure with significant earning potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Career growth with an established global freight forwarding organization.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with strong operational support.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

This position is being managed exclusively by our recruiting team on behalf of our client. Our client is a respected mid-sized global freight forwarder with an extensive international network, offering customized air, ocean, customs brokerage, and logistics solutions to customers across multiple industries.

If you’re looking to join a growing organization where your business development skills can make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

Tom Benfield is managing this vacancy. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further, please contact him directly:

Email: [e-mail]