Senior Business Development Manager

FreshTalent; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Appsierra Group is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager / External Sales Executive in South Africa to drive new business in freight forwarding and end-to-end supply chain solutions. The role is Cape Town or Johannesburg, hybrid, with frequent travel and a client-facing focus, engaging C-suite executives and supply chain leaders.

You will build long-term relationships, shape bespoke logistics solutions, and manage a high-value sales pipeline across air, ocean, and contract logistics.

Qualifications

• Senior commercial role in freight forwarding or supply chain solutions.
• Strong knowledge of global trade, import/export processes, customs clearing, air/ocean freight.
• Proven prospecting and business development capability.
• Ability to engage with C-suite executives and decision-makers.
• CRM proficiency and revenue forecasting.
• Established industry network in the relevant market.
• Valid driver's license and own vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Prospect for and secure new mid-to-large enterprise accounts across air, ocean, and contract logistics.
• Develop and deliver tailored sales pitches to prospective clients.
• Apply solution-selling techniques to identify client needs and position logistics solutions.
• Drive new revenue and meet or exceed growth targets.
• Maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities.

Skills

Business development

External sales

Freight forwarding

Supply chain

CRM proficiency

Negotiation

Pipeline management

CSuite engagement

Stakeholder management

Industry network

Driver's license

Own vehicle

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

Forecasting tools

Job description

Senior Business Development Manager / External Sales Executive (Freight Forwarding & Supply Chain Solutions)

Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa | Full-time | Senior | Hybrid
Frequent travel required | Client-facing role

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned, results-driven Senior Business Development Manager / External Sales Executive to drive new business growth across freight forwarding and end-to-end supply chain solutions.

This senior commercial role will focus on identifying and securing mid-to-large enterprise accounts, developing tailored logistics solutions, managing a high-value sales pipeline, and building long-term relationships with senior decision-makers.

The successful candidate will bring strong freight forwarding knowledge, an established industry network, proven business development capability, and the confidence to engage C-suite executives and supply chain leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales

• Prospect for and secure new mid-to-large enterprise accounts across air freight, ocean freight, and contract logistics.

• Develop and deliver compelling sales pitches tailored to prospective clients.

• Apply solution-selling techniques to identify customer needs and position appropriate logistics solutions.

• Drive new revenue and consistently meet or exceed growth targets.

• Maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities.

Supply Chain Solutions

• Analyse prospective clients' supply chains to identify opportunities and challenges.

• Design bespoke, value-adding, end-to-end logistics solutions based on client requirements.

• Apply knowledge of global trade, import/export processes, customs clearing, air freight, ocean freight, and broader supply chain operations.

• Stay informed about local and global market trends, capacity changes, and competitor activity within the South African market.

Client & Account Management

• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to C-suite executives and supply chain decision-makers.

• Develop strong, long-term client relationships focused on retention and partnership value.

• Build and leverage a strong industry network to identify new opportunities.

• Support seamless client onboarding by working closely with pricing, operations, and customer service teams.

Pipeline & Commercial Management

• Maintain an accurate sales pipeline through CRM systems.

• Monitor opportunity progress and maintain reliable revenue forecasts.

• Track sales activity and commercial performance against targets.

• Work cross-functionally to ensure new business transitions smoothly into operational delivery.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in business development, external sales, or a similar senior commercial role within freight forwarding or supply chain solutions.

• Strong knowledge of:

  • Global trade

  • Import/export processes

  • Air freight

  • Ocean freight

  • Customs clearing

  • Supply chain solutions

• Proven prospecting and business development capability.

• Strong pitching, negotiation, closing, and solution-selling skills.

• Ability to develop and manage a strong sales pipeline.

• CRM proficiency and experience with revenue forecasting.

• Strong client relationship and stakeholder-management skills.

• Ability to engage effectively with C-suite executives and supply chain decision-makers.

• Strong market intelligence and commercial awareness.

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Established industry network within the relevant market.

• Valid driver's licence.

• Own reliable vehicle for frequent client visits.

Preferred Qualifications

A tertiary qualification in one of the following fields is preferred:

• Supply Chain

• Logistics

• Business Management

Role Details

Location: Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-time
Level: Senior
Travel: Frequent travel for client visits
Function: Sales / Business Development / Commercial