Business Development Manager – Freight Forwarding & Logistics
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Sales & Business Development
Reporting To: Regional Manager – Sales
Experience: 8–12 years
Job Summary :
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in freight forwarding and logistics, excellent business development and networking skills, and a proven track record of achieving sales and profitability targets. Experience across Ocean Freight, Air Freight, NVOCC, Customs Clearance, Transportation, and related logistics services will be highly preferred.
Key Responsibilities :
- Develop and execute sales and business development strategies in line with company objectives.
- Identify target market segments, customer profiles, value propositions, and new business opportunities.
- Develop annual, quarterly, and monthly sales plans and forecasts.
- Drive new business development and achieve assigned sales and profit targets.
- Identify and develop new markets, customers, and potential business opportunities.
- Generate qualified sales leads and maintain a strong and healthy sales pipeline.
- Expand the customer base by targeting large corporate and key accounts.
- Develop nomination business through overseas offices, agents, and strategic networks.
- Conduct regular market research and competitor analysis to identify market trends and opportunities.
- Develop and implement brand-building and market-penetration strategies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, agencies, trade associations, and industry bodies.
- Conduct regular customer visits and follow up proactively to secure new business.
- Create and execute strategic account plans to improve customer retention and revenue growth.
- Work closely with Pricing, Warehouse, Customs House Brokerage (CHB), Ocean, Air, and other product teams to ensure effective commercial and operational support.
- Review pricing, market penetration, customer requirements, and business profitability.
- Ensure product-wise and sector-wise profitability within the assigned geography.
- Manage assigned sales budgets and contribute towards maintaining the P&L.
- Ensure appropriate customer credit assessment, credit limits, and payment terms.
- Monitor accounts receivable, outstanding payments, and accessorial charges in accordance with company credit policies.
- Support timely resolution of customer claims by providing the required documentation.
- Work cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, HR, IT, and other teams to achieve business objectives.
- Prepare sales calendars, participate in customer events, and conduct annual business reviews.
- Develop relationships with trade and industrial associations to strengthen market presence.
- Ensure sales and marketing resources are adequate to support business requirements.
- Identify opportunities to reduce operational costs and ensure adherence to approved budgets.
- Submit monthly sales and business reports to the Branch Head within the required timeline.
- Maintain high standards of business ethics, compliance, and corporate behaviour.
Candidate Requirements
Education:
- Graduate from a reputed institution.
- Postgraduate / MBA preferred.
- Specialization in Logistics or Supply Chain Management will be an added advantage.
Experience:
- 8–12 years of experience in Sales & Marketing within reputed Freight Forwarding / Logistics companies.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership role within the logistics industry.
- Experience in multinational logistics organizations will be highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of Ocean & Air Freight, NVOCC, Customs Clearance, Transportation, and Logistics Operations.
- Good understanding of international supply chain processes and customer requirements.
- Strong knowledge of local regulatory requirements, regional practices, and logistics documentation.
- Experience in developing new markets, acquiring customers, and managing key accounts.
- Proven track record of achieving sales, revenue, and profitability targets.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Business Development & Sales Management
- Freight Forwarding & Logistics
- Ocean & Air Freight
- Key Account Management
- Customer Acquisition & Retention
- Sales Strategy & Market Development
- Lead Generation & Pipeline Management
- Negotiation & Contract Management
- Pricing & Commercial Management
- P&L and Budget Management
- Credit & Receivables Management
- Market Research & Competitor Analysis
- Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen
- Data-driven Decision Making
- Strong Networking & Relationship Management
- Excellent Presentation & Communication Skills
- Good command of English
- Knowledge of local languages will be an added advantage
- Computer savvy with an understanding of current logistics, supply chain, and technology trends
Pay: ₹900,000.00 - ₹1,200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
