Business Development Manager (Chinese Mandarin)

Switch Recruit; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Recruit is seeking a commercially driven sales professional with deep freight forwarding knowledge and fluency in Mandarin. The role focuses on winning new business, growing revenue with existing clients, and expanding into new markets across air, sea and road freight.

You will prepare quotes, manage relationships and coordinate with the Sales Director on strategy. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in logistics sales, a relevant degree, a valid driver's license, and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Matric certificate.
• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing or related field (or National Diploma).
• Minimum 5 years' sales experience in logistics, freight forwarding, transport or supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Develop and secure new business opportunities aligned with growth goals.
• Build and nurture relationships with customers to maximise retention and revenue.
• Identify and explore new markets across air, sea and roadfreight.
• Prepare estimates, pricing proposals and quotations for customers.
• Collaborate with Sales Director to develop sales strategies and product opportunities.
• Monitor sales activities and maintain records of meetings, quotations and follow-ups.
• Drive customer satisfaction through strong relationship management and service delivery.
• Ensure new customers complete credit applications and sign terms.

Skills

Mandarin

Sales

Client relationships

Logistics knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sales/Marketing or related field

National Diploma (preferential)

Job description

This role is suited to a commercially driven sales professional with a solid understanding of freight forwarding, clearing and logistics, as well as the ability to engage confidently with Mandarin-speaking clients.

Duties:

• Develop and secure new business opportunities aligned with the company's growth strategy and commercial objectives.
• Build, maintain and nurture strong relationships with existing and prospective customers to maximise retention and revenue growth.
• Identify and explore new markets, industries and business opportunities across air, sea and roadfreight.
• Prepare and manage estimates, pricing proposals and customer quotations, ensuring competitive and commercially viable solutions.
• Collaborate with the Sales Director to identify new products, develop sales strategies and explore opportunities for business expansion.
• Monitor sales performance and maintain accurate records of prospecting, client meetings, presentations, negotiations, quotations and follow-up activities.
• Drive customer satisfaction through effective relationship management, consistent communication and quality service delivery.
• Ensure all new customers complete the required credit applications and sign the company's standard terms and conditions.
• Provide regular feedback to management on sales performance, market developments, customer requirements and opportunities for product improvement.
• Manage customer-related operational queries where managerial intervention is required and escape issues appropriately.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of freight forwarding products, industry developments, competitors and relevant market trends.
• Represent and promote the company's brand through effective sales and marketing activities.

Requirements:

• Matric certificate.
• A bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing or a related field, or a relevant National Diploma (Preferential).
• Minimum 5 years' sales experience within the logistics, freight forwarding, transport or supply chain industry (non-negotiable).
• Fluency in Chinese Mandarin, with the ability to speak, read and write confidently (non-negotiable).
• A valid driver's licence and own reliable vehicle.
• A proven track record of generating new business and earning sales commission.
• South African citizenship or permanent residency, supported by the relevant documentation.
• Willingness to travel as required.