Our client, a leading provider of logistics services, is seeking a seasoned Business Development Manager to expand their perishable cargo business, primarily focusing on fruits, vegetables, and fish. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated hunter with a proven track record of generating new business, particularly from foreign markets, especially South and Central America. This role will be instrumental in driving a consistent flow of perishable shipments through our client's nationwide warehouse network.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Client Acquisition: Actively seek out and develop new business relationships with potential clients in the perishable logistics sector.
- Account Management: Manage client accounts from initial sale to post-sale follow-up, ensuring a smooth and profitable experience.
- Business Development: Drive a high volume of profitable business with a focus on repeat customers to maintain a steady flow of shipments to various warehouse locations.
- Sales Prospecting: Utilize various methods, including networking and cold calling, to identify and pursue potential clients.
- Financial Due Diligence: Conduct thorough financial assessments of prospective clients to ensure their stability and creditworthiness.
- Client Communication: Maintain regular communication with existing and new clients to build strong relationships and understand their needs.
- Business Partnerships: Foster relationships with decision-makers, vendors, and suppliers to create strategic partnerships.
- Sales Execution: Effectively execute sales calls, negotiate terms, and close deals.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Operations team and other departments to deliver exceptional customer service.
- Sales Administration: Prepare quotes, enter sales data into the company's ERP system, and address client complaints or suggestions.
- Industry Knowledge: Stay up-to-date on industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to international and domestic freight forwarding, perishables, and logistics operations.
- Sales Strategy: Develop and implement effective sales strategies to achieve sales goals and objectives.
- Market Analysis: Research and analyze market trends to identify new business opportunities and optimize pricing strategies.
- Brand Representation: Promote the company's values and culture to clients and partners.
- Team Collaboration: Participate in team meetings, share sales reports, and contribute to forecasting.
- Industry Engagement: Attend industry events, trade shows, and conferences to network and build relationships.
- Performance Tracking: Set and monitor personal sales goals using the company's CRM.
- Additional Duties: Perform other tasks as assigned by management.
Qualifications:
- 7+ years of experience in freight forwarding sales, with a strong focus on perishables.
- Proven track record of independently generating new sales revenue.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong relationship-building skills.
- Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, vendors, and colleagues.
- Detail-oriented and diligent work ethic.
- Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken).
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Salesforce (preferred).
Company Overview
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.
