Senior Business Development Manager
Appsierra Group
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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 focuses on securing mid-to-large enterprise accounts and building long-term executive relationships.
You will lead solution-driven proposals, manage a robust sales pipeline, and travel to client sites for frequent engagements, targeting growth across air/ocean freight and contract logistics.
Qualifications
- Proven senior business development/external sales experience in freight forwarding or supply chain solutions.
Responsibilities
- Identify and secure mid-to-large enterprise accounts across air, ocean, and contract logistics.
- Develop and deliver compelling sales pitches tailored to clients.
- Apply solution-selling techniques to match client needs with logistics solutions.
- Drive new revenue and consistently meet or exceed growth targets.
- Maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities.
- Analyze client supply chains to identify opportunities and design end-to-end logistics solutions.
- Engage C-suite executives and supply chain leaders as trusted advisors.
- Build long-term client relationships and leverage industry networks.
- Collaborate with pricing, operations and customer service to ensure smooth onboarding.
- Maintain an accurate CRM pipeline and revenue forecasts.
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity in the South Africa market.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa | Full-time | Senior | Hybrid
Frequent travel required | Client-facing 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A tertiary qualification in one of the following fields is preferred:
Supply Chain
Logistics
Business Management
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
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