Strategic Business Development Manager (Freight Forwarding)

Fempower Personnel; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics firm is seeking two experienced Strategic Business Development Managers based in Johannesburg or willing to travel nationally. This senior role focuses on winning high-value business opportunities in Air and Ocean Freight. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and over 8 years of experience in logistics or freight forwarding, showcasing proven success in securing large-scale deals. This role emphasizes strategic planning and requires strong engagement with C-suite decision-makers. Competitive remuneration and significant influence over sales strategy are integral to this opportunity.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain sales.
• Expertise in Air Freight and Ocean Freight.
• Proven track record securing large-scale deals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Hunt for and secure large-scale Air and Ocean Freight opportunities.
• Manage and shape the sales pipeline, ensuring accurate forecasting.
• Build relationships with C-suite and senior decision-makers.
• Design integrated logistics solutions tailored to client requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of all sales activities in CRM.
• Collaborate with Head of Sales and Field Sales teams.

Skills

Strategic planning

New business acquisition

CRM discipline

Stakeholder engagement

Solution selling

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Logistics

Job description

Location: Based in Johannesburg or willing to travel extensively within Gauteng and nationally
Employment Type: Permanent / Full-time
Vacancies: 2

A global leader in logistics and freight forwarding is seeking two experienced Strategic Business Development Managers to join their South Africa commercial team. This is a senior "strategic hunter" role, focused on winning and developing high-value business opportunities across Air and Ocean Freight.

This organization is recognized as a market leader in integrated logistics solutions, with a strong focus on vertical sectors including Life Sciences, Auto-Mobility, Energy, and Technology. The role reports directly to the Head of Sales and offers significant influence over strategic direction, target setting, and pipeline development.

As a Strategic Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for identifying, pursuing, and securing large-scale, complex freight forwarding opportunities. Unlike a traditional field sales role, this position combines high-level strategic planning with active new business acquisition.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree (Business, Marketing, Logistics, or related field)
• 8+ years in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain sales (more senior than Field Sales Executive)
• Mode specialisation: Air Freight & Ocean Freight expertise (core priority)
• Strategic hunter – proven track record securing large-scale, complex deals

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with regional business objectives
• New Business Acquisition: Hunt for and secure large-scale Air and Ocean Freight opportunities
• Pipeline Direction: Actively manage and shape the sales pipeline, ensuring accurate forecasting
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with C-suite and senior decision-makers across target industries
• Solution Selling: Design integrated, multi-modal logistics solutions tailored to complex client requirements
• CRM Discipline: Maintain accurate records of all sales activities, pipeline opportunities, and forecasting in CRM systems
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Head of Sales, Field Sales teams, and operational units to ensure seamless client implementation