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Location: South Africa & Namibia

Industry: Logistics, Freight Forwarding, Supply Chain

Reports to: Managing Director / Commercial Director

About the Company

A leading global logistics and crane solutions provider delivering specialized lifting, transport, freight forwarding, project cargo, heavy haulage, and integrated supply chain solutions across Africa and international markets. The business supports clients in sectors including energy, mining, infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, and industrial projects.

Role Purpose

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for driving revenue growth, identifying new market opportunities, developing strategic client relationships, and expanding the company's presence across South Africa, Africa, and selected international markets. The role requires a commercially focused professional with experience in logistics, project cargo, freight forwarding, crane services, heavy lifting, or related industrial sectors.

Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Development & SalesIdentify, develop, and secure new business opportunities across target sectors and geographies.Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve revenue and growth targets.Generate and convert leads through networking, market intelligence, industry events, and client engagement.Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline using CRM systems.Prepare and present commercial proposals, tenders, and contract negotiations.Client Relationship ManagementEstablish and maintain relationships with key decision-makers across client organizations.Act as the primary commercial contact for strategic accounts.Develop account growth strategies to increase share of wallet and customer retention.Ensure exceptional customer service and long-term partnership development.Market Intelligence & StrategyMonitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging market opportunities.Conduct market research to identify new sectors, regions, and service offerings.Provide commercial insights to leadership to support strategic decision-making.Support market entry initiatives across Africa and international territories.Tender & Project SupportLead and coordinate responses to RFQs, RFPs, and tender submissions.Collaborate with operations and technical teams to develop competitive solutions.Ensure commercial viability and profitability of proposed projects.Stakeholder ManagementWork closely with operations, project management, procurement, and finance teams.Support cross-border business initiatives and strategic partnerships.Represent the company at industry conferences, exhibitions, and networking events.RequirementsQualificationsBachelor's Degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering, Commerce, or related field.Postgraduate qualification or MBA advantageous.Experience5-10 years' business development or commercial sales experience within:LogisticsFreight ForwardingProject CargoHeavy Lift & Crane ServicesSupply Chain SolutionsIndustrial ServicesProven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets.Experience managing complex commercial negotiations and contracts.Exposure to African and international markets.Skills & CompetenciesStrong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.Excellent relationship-building and networking ability.Strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to business development.Strong presentation and proposal-writing skills.Ability to manage multiple stakeholders across diverse regions.Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)New business revenue generated.Annual sales growth.Number and value of new client acquisitions.Tender win rate.Pipeline value and conversion rate.Client retention and account growth.Expansion into new markets and sectors.Ideal Background

Candidates from organizations involved in:

Global logistics and freight forwardingHeavy lifting and crane operationsMining logisticsEPC and infrastructure projectsRenewable energy logisticsPort and transport operationsIndustrial project services Read less