BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
FREIGHT FORWARDING & CUSTOMS CLEARING
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal | Permanent, Full-Time | Hybrid | Reports to: Sales & Operations Executive
R600,000–R750,000 CTC per annum (negotiable, depending on experience) | Commission | Pension, medical aid and performance-related bonus
About the Opportunity
We are recruiting experienced Business Development Managers for an established logistics and supply chain organisation. This is a senior, hands-on new-business acquisition role for proven freight-forwarding and customs-clearing sales professionals—not a general sales, key account management or logistics operations position.
The successful candidate will develop business nationally while leveraging strong relationships in Durban/KZN. You will build a qualified pipeline of importers, exporters, manufacturers and logistics customers, convert opportunities into profitable contracts, and demonstrate measurable commercial progress within the first 90 days.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, prospect and personally secure new business nationally across freight forwarding, customs clearing, warehousing, transport and related logistics services, with a strong local-market focus.
- Build and manage a qualified pipeline of importers, exporters, manufacturers and other logistics decision-makers; leverage existing industry relationships.
- Sell integrated solutions covering air and ocean freight (FCL/LCL), customs clearing, bonded warehousing, container depot services, road transport, distribution and storage.
- Meet clients, understand supply chain requirements and present commercially viable logistics solutions in collaboration with pricing and operations teams.
- Prepare and respond to RFQs, tenders, quotations and proposals; negotiate commercially sound rates, service agreements and long-term contracts while protecting gross profit and margins.
- Own agreed revenue, gross profit, margin and new-client acquisition targets; maintain accurate CRM records, qualified pipeline, forecasts and sales reporting.
- Within the first 90 days, establish a qualified prospect pipeline, conduct targeted client meetings, progress proposals and demonstrate measurable movement toward new account wins; monitor market opportunities and coordinate effective handovers to operations.
Minimum Requirements
- At least five years of relevant B2B sales or business development experience, including proven, direct selling of freight-forwarding and/or customs-clearing services to commercial clients (mandatory). General B2B sales or logistics operations experience alone is insufficient.
- Evidence of personally winning new commercial freight customers and meeting measurable revenue and/or gross profit targets, with examples of contracts secured.
- Existing relationships with importers, exporters, manufacturers or freight-forwarding decision-makers.
- Practical working knowledge of SARS customs clearance processes, tariff classification/HS codes, import/export documentation, duties, VAT, Incoterms and bonded cargo requirements; ability to discuss these confidently with clients.
- Strong prospecting, cold-calling, solution-selling, negotiation and closing skills.
- Ability to independently develop and manage a sales pipeline and deliver measurable results.
- Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to client meetings.
Highly Advantageous
- Experience selling bonded warehousing, container depot services and multimodal freight solutions.
- An established network in Durban/KZN.
- Knowledge of HS codes, customs tariffs, duties, VAT and bonded cargo processes.
- Experience with freight pricing, tenders, RFQs and gross profit management.
- Relevant qualification in logistics, supply chain management, international trade or business management.
Who Will Succeed
A proactive new-business hunter who can open doors, develop importer/exporter relationships and close profitable freight contracts. You understand the operational and regulatory realities of international cargo and can work independently while collaborating with pricing and operations teams.
How to Apply
Please submit an updated CV outlining the freight-forwarding and customs-clearing services you have personally sold; examples of new customers/contracts secured; annual revenue or gross profit targets and results; industries and customer segments served; location, salary expectations and notice period.
Only candidates with demonstrable direct freight-forwarding or customs-clearing sales experience will be considered.
Pay: R55 000,00 - R66 000,00 per month
Application Question(s):
- Do you have practical knowledge of SARS customs procedures and an established network of importers, exporters or logistics decision-makers in Durban or Cape Town?
- Have you personally secured new freight-forwarding or customs-clearing clients and consistently achieved measurable revenue or gross profit targets?
Experience:
- direct freight-forwarding or customs-clearing sales: 7 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
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