Cargo Development Manager

Our client, a growing regional airport are seeking a commercially focused Cargo Development Manager to support the continued growth of its cargo operations based in Dorset.

Working alongside the Head of Development, you will be responsible for developing and securing new cargo business and contributing to the airport’s long-term cargo strategy to become a leading air cargo hub. This role combines business development, account management, and commercial negotiation within a dynamic aviation environment.

On Offer:

• Opportunity to join a rapidly expanding air cargo hub
• Salary of £60k-£80k dependant on experience
• Hybrid working
• The opportunity for extensive travel within the UK and abroad

Purpose of the Cargo Development Manager

To Identify, develop and deliver compelling sales campaigns to airline operators, cargo brokers, shippers and forwarders and driving negotiations through to successful conclusions. Maintaining and developing solid relationships with existing operators with the objective being to secure additional growth and/or revenue generation opportunities.

Key Responsibilities of the Cargo Development Manager

• To develop new and existing customer relationships, proactively seeking out new business opportunities whilst maintaining and growing existing customer relationships and revenue streams with the aim of developing both regular/scheduled and ad hoc charter flight business.
• To plan, develop and deliver clear and compelling sales proposals to prospective customers, representing the airport with new and existing airlines, brokers, freight forwarders and shippers regionally, nationally and internationally as required including attendance at industry events.
• To help develop financial proposals and commercial agreements in support of sales proposals and see these through to the delivery of completed contracts.
• To engage proactively with the airport’s operational team to ensure the operation of cargo handling and transit shed activities is aligned with sales efforts.
• To assist in identification and implementation of potential new support services and additional revenue streams to support the development of the airport’s cargo handling and flight operations.
• To work with the PR and marketing team to develop and maintain marketing content for digital and traditional activity through the airport’s B2B channels and other industry platforms in order to produce effective sales and marketing collateral to represent the airports cargo opportunity.
• To support the development and implementation of a strategy for the long-term growth of the Airports cargo business.
• To assist with provision of cargo performance (revenue, tonnage, business development pipeline, etc) reporting for internal purposes.
• As required, to prepare strategic and ad hoc market research reports identifying opportunities and comparing cargo performance against recognised industry benchmarks, including competitor analysis etc. Monitor and react to competitor activity within the sector.

Key Contacts and Relationships

• Internal: Airport Management Team, Aviation Development Team, Transit Shed Operations Team, Marketing Team, Airport Operations Team, Commercial Team, Finance Team and Legal.
• External – Airlines, Brokers, Freight Forwarders, Logistics Companies, Shippers, Ground Handling Agencies, Security Providers, Regulatory Bodies.

To be Considered for the Cargo Development Manager

• A proven track record of successful sales activity in the air cargo market.
• An extensive and up to date network of relevant customer and cargo stakeholder contacts.
• A strong sales instinct with a clear ‘can-do’ approach.
• The ideal candidate will also have multifaceted experience in regular as well as ad hoc airfreight operations and also a solid understanding of the complexities of air cargo operational/handling services as well as ‘front end’ sales activity.

This job description is an outline of the key tasks and responsibilities of the post and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties commensurate with the level of the role. The post may change over time to reflect the developing needs of the group and its services, as well as the personal development needs of the post holder. This job description will be subject to regular review and adjustment.

For more details, contact Willis Global - a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Aviation & Aerospace industry