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