Business Development Manager

Red - Specialist Recruitment

Our client, based in Kent, is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager (General Cargo) to join their expanding commercial team. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven professional to play a key role in growing the general cargo business, developing strong customer relationships and identifying new opportunities across the sector.   As Business Development Manager (General Cargo), you will play a key role in driving commercial growth by developing and maintaining strong customer relationships, identifying new business opportunities and delivering tailored commercial proposals. You will take ownership of pricing and commercial negotiations while supporting the successful delivery of the Port’s wider commercial strategy.  This is a highly engaging, hands-on and customer-focused role, offering the opportunity to influence business development initiatives and make a tangible contribution to the continued growth and success of the Port’s general cargo operations.   THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT
  • Experience in account management or business development within a commercial environment.
  • Previous background within construction, infrastructure, agri bulk or project cargoes (desirable)
  • Experience in logistics, supply chain or ports (desirable).
  • Strong customer relationship management skills across multiple accounts.
  • Understanding of supply chain operations and basic financial principles.
  • Competent user of Microsoft Office
  • Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle
  • Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Skilled in negotiation and constructive conflict management.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
JOB DESCRIPTION
  • Manage daily interactions with cargo customers, ensuring high levels of service and timely responses.
  • Support customer onboarding and align operational requirements across internal teams.
  • Maintain regular customer engagement to identify service improvements and upsell opportunities.
  • Prepare and maintain account management plans for leading names in the logistics, construction, agri bulk or infrastructure sectors under direction of the Head of Business Development.
  • Identify and qualify new commercial leads through networking, market insight, and industry engagement.
  • Preparation of commercial proposals, tenders, and customer presentations.
  • Take the lead on pricing and contract negotiations, contributing insight and recommendations to inform the development of pricing strategies and structures.
  • Gather operational and financial data to support business cases and forecasting.
  • Contribute to sales pipeline updates and support negotiations by coordinating key inputs.
  • Monitor service performance, escalating any issues or improvement needs.
  • Support rate and tariff updates through material preparation and customer communication.
  • Maintain accurate KPI tracking for cargo accounts within the CRM.
  • Attend industry and trade events, ensuring leads are captured and followed up.
  • Gather and share market intelligence on competitors, cargo flows and emerging opportunities.
  • Maintain accurate CRM records and prepare routine reports on market activity, customer performance, and events.
  • Assist in developing internal and external presentations and documents.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant quality, safety, security and sustainability standards.
  • Support commercial project delivery by coordinating tasks and monitoring progress.
  • Contribute to discussions on improving service quality and operational efficiency.
  • Support strategic initiatives led by the Head of Business Development.
REMUNERATION PACKAGE ON OFFER    Salary IRO £52k (plus discretionary annual bonus) plus benefits such as:
  • 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata).
  • Generous contributory pension scheme.
  • Private Health Care.
  • Life assurance.
  • Employee assistance programme.
  • 3rd party discounts.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Free Parking.
  • Employee volunteering scheme.
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