Business Development Manager CT : Logistics & Supply Chain

Description

Our client is looking for a commercially driven Business Development Manager to grow revenue

through new business acquisition and strategic account development within the logistics and

supply chain sector.

You will drive new business growth in the Cape Town market, with national responsibility for customs clearing and freight forwarding opportunities. Your focus will include customs clearing, freight forwarding, bonded warehousing, container depot services, transport and warehousing solutions.

This is a senior role suited to an established sales hunter with strong industry credibility, in-depth knowledge of SARS customs processes and the ability to work independently while delivering measurable results within the first 90 days.

Key Responsibilities

• Win New Business
• Identify, qualify and close high-value opportunities with importers, exporters and freight forwarders in Durban and nationally.
• Conduct targeted prospecting across key industries, trade lanes and high-volume accounts, securing meetings with C-suite executives, procurement leaders and supply chain decision-makers.
• Build and convert a strong sales pipeline to meet or exceed monthly and quarterly revenue targets.
• Promote the full range of services, including customs clearing, freight forwarding, bonded warehousing, container depot services, transport and warehousing.
• Collaborate with the clearing team to assess prospective clients’ customs profiles, tariff classifications, trade agreements and compliance requirements before onboarding.
• Ensure rates, terms, scope and compliance responsibilities are agreed in writing before the first consignment moves.
• Negotiate and Close Deals
• Lead commercial negotiations and secure profitable, competitive deals within approved authority limits, escalating complex pricing and non-standard terms where necessary.
• Prepare proposals, RFQ responses and tender submissions, clearly communicating the company’s value proposition and competitive advantages.
• Assess deal profitability, commercial risk and cost structures, managing opportunities from initial engagement through to signed agreement.
• Grow Key Accounts
• Serve as the primary commercial contact for an assigned portfolio, developing long-term relationships and generating repeat business.
• Identify and convert upselling and cross-selling opportunities to maximise account value.
• Collaborate with operations, finance and site teams to ensure seamless service delivery and resolve client issues promptly.
• Collaborate and Report
• Work closely with Commercial Sales Operations to ensure accurate and timely quotations, rates and tender submissions.
• Partner with clearing and operations teams to support compliant client onboarding and adherence to SOPs, SLAs and KPIs.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and provide weekly and monthly reports covering pipeline activity, deal closures, revenue performance and market intelligence.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Matric / Grade 12.
• A proven and verifiable track record in business development, sales or key account management within logistics, freight or supply chain, including direct customs clearing and freight forwarding experience.
• Demonstrated success in winning new business, closing significant deals and consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Established relationships with importers, exporters and freight forwarders in KwaZulu-Natal and/or nationally, across manufacturing, automotive, FMCG, retail, chemicals and related industries.
• Working knowledge of the Customs and Excise Act, SARS procedures, tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, duty and VAT treatment, and bonded warehouse regulations.
• Understanding of international trade flows, Incoterms, shipping and airline documentation, and landed cost drivers.
• Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen, including pricing, margins and risk management, with experience in complex, multi-stakeholder B2B sales cycles.
• Executive presence and the ability to engage senior decision-makers as a commercial peer.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.
• A self-starter mentality, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Advantageous: A tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Supply Chain, Logistics, International Trade or a related field. Exceptional industry experience and demonstrable results may be considered in place of a formal qualification.
• Location
• The role is based in Durban, with a primary focus on the Durban market and a national remit for customs clearing and freight forwarding. Candidates based in either Durban or Cape Town will be considered, provided they can leverage established industry relationships and cover the required markets.
• Expected travel requirements to be confirmed.
• Employment Equity
• Our client is committed to employment equity. In line with its employment equity plan, candidates
• from designated groups will be prioritised.
• Ready to Make an Impact?
• If you have the industry relationships, commercial expertise and proven track record to win new
• business and drive revenue growth, we want to hear from you.

Bonus/Nice to Have

• Established Industry Network
• Port & Container Operations
• Cross-Border Logistics
• Bonded Warehousing
• Industry Sector Exposure – Existing client relationships in automotive, FMCG, manufacturing, chemicals or retail.
• Tender Management
• Experience with Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics or similar CRM platforms.
• Commercial Strategy
• National Market Exposure

Company Overview

A leading South African logistics and supply chain organization specializing in container handling, freight management, warehousing and distribution. Provides integrated import and export solutions, including customs clearing and transportation services, supporting local and international trade.

Required Skills

• Business development
• Sales
• Key account management
• Customs clearing
• Freight forwarding
• Negotiation skills
• Commercial acumen
• Microsoft Office
• CRM platforms
• Bonded Warehousing
• Cross Border Logistics

About the Company

Zuva Consulting

Other

Perks & Benefits

• Commission
• Pension fund
• Medical aid
• Performance bonus