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