About the position
A leading logistics and supply chain solutions company is looking for an experienced Business Development Manager with strong experience in customs clearing, freight forwarding, bonded warehousing and new business acquisition to join their team in Cape Town.
This is a senior commercial role focused on driving revenue growth through new business development and strategic account management, with a national remit for clearing and forwarding. The ideal candidate will be a proven hunter with an established network of importers, exporters and freight forwarders, a transferable portfolio of clients, and a strong track record of closing significant deals. The successful candidate must be commercially astute, able to engage confidently with senior decision-makers, and capable of delivering measurable results with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities:
- Identify and secure new business opportunities among importers, exporters and freight forwarders in the Cape Town region and nationally.
- Develop and execute targeted prospecting strategies focused on key industries, trade lanes, decision-makers and high-volume accounts.
- Build relationships with C-suite executives and senior supply chain leaders to generate new business.
- Manage the sales pipeline effectively and consistently meet or exceed monthly and quarterly revenue targets.
- Sell integrated clearing and forwarding solutions, including customs clearing, bonded warehousing, container depot services, transport and warehousing.
- Assess prospective clients' customs profiles, tariff classifications, trade agreements and compliance requirements in collaboration with the clearing team.
- Ensure client engagements are documented in writing, including rates, terms, service scope and compliance responsibilities, before the first consignment moves.
- Lead commercial negotiations and structure profitable, competitive deals.
- Prepare and present commercial proposals, RFQ responses and tender submissions.
- Close deals independently within approved authority limits and escalate complex pricing or non-standard terms when required.
- Manage and grow key accounts through proactive relationship management, retention, upselling and cross-selling.
- Coordinate with operations, finance and site teams to support customer onboarding, resolve service issues and maintain service standards.
- Work with the Commercial Sales Operations team to ensure quotes, rates and tenders are accurate and submitted on time.
- Maintain accurate CRM records of customer interactions, sales pipeline activity and deal progress.
- Provide weekly and monthly reports on pipeline performance, deal closures, revenue and market intelligence.
Requirements:
- Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
- 7–10 years of business development, sales or key account management experience within the logistics, freight or supply chain sector.
- At least five years of experience in customs clearing and freight forwarding.
- A demonstrable track record of securing new business and consistently meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
- An established network of importer, exporter and freight forwarder relationships in the Western Cape or nationally.
- An existing, transferable book of clearing and forwarding clients.
- Working knowledge of the Customs and Excise Act, SARS customs procedures, tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin and bonded warehouse operations.
- Strong understanding of freight forwarding, customs clearing, bonded warehousing, container depot services, and related transport and warehousing operations.
- Knowledge of international trade flows, Incoterms, shipping line and airline documentation, and landed cost drivers.
- Strong commercial acumen, including pricing, margin management, negotiation and competitive positioning.
- Proven ability to close deals, manage complex B2B sales cycles and engage with senior decision-makers.
- Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Experience using CRM platforms to manage sales pipelines and report on performance.
- A self-starter with the ability to work independently, manage time effectively and deliver results with minimal supervision.
- A tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Trade or a related field is advantageous but not essential for candidates with exceptional experience and results.
Benefits:
Contact Hire Resolve for your next career-changing move.
Apply for this role today, contact Abigail King at Hire Resolve or on LinkedIn.
You can also visit the Hire Resolve website: [URL Removed] or email us your CV: [Email Address Removed].com
We will contact you telephonically in 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will put your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise.
Desired Skills:
- Business Development Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Business Development Manager
