Perishable Business Development Supervisor

Intellistaff; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Intellistaff is seeking a Perishables Business Development Supervisor to drive the commercial and operational strategy for the perishables vertical across Johannesburg and Cape Town. The role targets revenue growth from new and existing clients, with emphasis on airfreight and strategic partnerships.

The successful candidate will manage the sales pipeline, negotiate terms, and own quarterly gross profit targets while collaborating with operations to ensure seamless service delivery.

Qualifications

• NQF Level 7 qualification (e.g., BCom or BTech) is non-negotiable.
• 5–7 years in a similar business development role in logistics.
• Experience in supply chain, shipping, airfreight or logistics industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the commercial and operational strategy for the perishables.
• Grow revenue and profitability through new and existing clients.
• Increase market share across targeted perishable commodities.
• Maintain a detailed sales pipeline with prospecting and closing ratios.
• Collaborate with operations, sales and management to ensure service delivery.

Skills

Sales & business development

Client relationship management

Strategic planning & forecasting

Negotiation

Airfreight knowledge

Education

BCom in Sales & Marketing or BTech

BCom in Transport & Logistics (advantageous)

Tools

CRM software

Excel / MS Office

Job description

• A leading Southern African maritime and logistics group specializing in Customs Clearing, Freight Forwarding and Ships Agency services, with operations across six branches from Cape Town to Walvis Bay and connections to a global network.
• The Perishable Business Development Supervisor will be responsible for the commercial and operational strategy of the perishables vertical, working across Johannesburg and Cape Town and reporting directly to the CEO.
• The role focuses on growing revenue from new and existing clients, increasing market share in airfreight, developing strategic partnerships, and maintaining strong relationships with clients and airlines. The position combines business development, sales, planning, client management and operational follow-through.
• As a newly established position, the role provides an opportunity to shape the commercial approach to the perishables market while taking ownership of quarterly gross profit targets and overall business development performance.

Qualification and Experience

• NQF Level 7 qualification, such as a BCom in Sales and Marketing, BTech or equivalent — non-negotiable.
• BCom in Transport and Logistics will be advantageous.
• 5–7 years’ experience in a similar business development role — non-negotiable.
• Experience within the supply chain, shipping, airfreight or logistics industry.
• Proven track record in sales within a customer-focused environment.
• Experience negotiating commercial terms with clients and service providers.
• Strong understanding of sales pipeline management, including prospecting records, sales cycle stages and closing ratios.
• Knowledge of perishable commodities and the airfreight requirements associated with transporting them.
• Experience in project management and planning across multiple geographical areas, particularly Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the commercial and operational strategy for the perishables vertical.
• Grow revenue and profitability through new and existing clients.
• Increase market share across targeted perishable commodities.
• Develop and implement practical strategies for acquiring new perishable clients.
• Ensure products and services remain competitive within the airfreight market.
• Maintain a detailed sales pipeline, including prospecting activity, sales cycle stages and closing ratios.
• Achieve a 25% conversion ratio from prospecting through to closed and won business.
• Secure at least 10 new medium to large clients within the first 12 months, with each client contributing approximately R250,000 or more in annual gross profit.
• Achieve quarterly gross profit targets and associated commission objectives.
• Develop, maintain and grow strong relationships with clients and airlines.
• Ensure new business meets or exceeds budget expectations.
• Work closely with clients to monitor shipment volumes and forecasts.
• Coordinate capacity and service planning to support client requirements.
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships that support long-term growth within the perishables market.
• Collaborate with operations, sales and management teams to ensure effective service delivery.
• Monitor market trends, customer requirements and competitor activity within the perishables and airfreight sectors.

Key Attributes

• Customer Driven: Places customer needs at the center of commercial decisions and sales engagements.
• Team Player: Works collaboratively with operations, sales and management teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Integrity: Communicates honestly and transparently with clients, airlines and colleagues regarding capabilities, commitments and service delivery.
• Strong Work Ethic: Demonstrates consistent commitment, drive and resilience, particularly when working under pressure to achieve targets.
• Human Dignity: Treats clients, colleagues, service providers and all other stakeholders with professionalism and respect.
• People Engagement: Builds and maintains strong professional relationships with clients, airlines and strategic partners.
• Structured Planner: Effectively plans sales pipelines, client engagements, travel and regional activities to ensure priorities and opportunities are managed efficiently