Business Development Manager (Chinese Mandarin)

Switch Recruit (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Recruit (Pty) Ltd in Johannesburg seeks an experienced Business Development Manager fluent in Mandarin to drive new business growth and strengthen client relationships. You will engage Mandarin-speaking customers and manage end-to-end sales cycles across air, sea, and road freight.

The role requires a commercially driven sales professional with a solid logistics background, a track record of revenue growth, and the ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Mandarin fluency with reading and writing ability.
• Minimum 5 years' sales experience in logistics, freight forwarding, transport or supply chain.
• Matric certificate.
• Valid driver's license and own vehicle.
• South African citizenship or permanent residency with documents.

Responsibilities

• Develop and secure new business aligned with growth strategy and commercial objectives.
• Build and nurture relationships with new and existing customers to maximise retention and revenue.
• Identify opportunities across air, sea and road freight.
• Prepare estimates, pricing proposals and quotations for clients.
• Collaborate with Sales Director to identify new products and sales opportunities.
• Track sales activities and maintain accurate records of meetings, quotations and follow-ups.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through effective relationship management and service delivery.
• Assist with credit applications and ensure compliance with terms and conditions.

Skills

Mandarin fluency

Sales experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sales or Marketing or related field

National Diploma (preferential)

Job description

An established international freight forwarding and logistics business is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager who is fluent in Chinese Mandarin to drive new business growth and strengthen customer relationships.

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 escalat?Wait.
• 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.