Strategic Business Development Manager (Freight Forwarding)

About the position

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

Desired Skills:

• Forecasting
• Negotiation
• New Business Development
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Planning