Business Development Manager (Perishables) in Dover, Kent

This is a dynamic role working in a fast-growing organisation with a world-class Cargo product. Our client is long renowned as the UK’s number one port for fast-moving logistics in the ferry market, facilitating over 2.2 million HGV movements a year. They have taken this expertise and applied it to a global platform through the development of a state-of-the-art cargo facility.

The role is responsible for the profit and loss management of current and future customers in the perishable market sector. The successful candidate will account manage and business develop a base of current and future customers, actively broadening our client’s perishable sector up and down the supply chain. Our client is a market champion in sustainability, operations, and health & safety.

The candidate will work with service teams and operations to deliver a range of exciting and challenging commercial projects in one of Europe’s busiest ports to the highest standards. This role is at the forefront of customer service delivery both internally and externally. The post holder requires a strong customer focus, commercial and operational foundation, and a passion for delivering world-class supply chain solutions nationally and internationally.

The Business Development Manager will be working within the Commercial team out of our client’s operational offices at the port. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, you will be crucial in ensuring effective collaboration with customers across a national and international network, striving to deliver port-centric solutions that boost engagement and loyalty while securing a competitive advantage.

The post holder will develop customer partnerships aligned with our client’s evolving and dynamic commercial strategy with existing and prospective perishable customers—strengthening their customer portfolio and pipeline of business development work. With a strong background in developing and growing international partnerships, you will manage all existing perishable customer partnerships and commercial activities, ensuring a market-leading offering based on quality and customer service.

With a world-class cargo terminal having come online in 2019 and exciting infrastructure developments in the pipeline, the initial focus will be on strengthening the perishable offering and specialising in a unique service offering. From time to time, you will also be asked to contribute to other business pillars: Ferry, Cargo, Cruise, Property, and Marina (the 5 pillars), and departments ranging from Operations to Commercial, People to Innovation—working on exciting challenges and opportunities in being a critical part of the UK’s national infrastructure.

Skills and Qualifications

• Must have direct experience within account management and business development
• Extensive experience within supply chain or logistics
• Experience within perishables and/or port sector (desirable)
• Industry experience with supermarkets/retailers, importers, agents, and/or shipping lines
• Ability to develop and implement proposals within a highly commercial environment
• Extensive experience in commercial roles, with a track record in business development and strategic partnerships
• Proven ability to deliver growth in a sales-led or commercial environment
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Good operational foundation within the supply chain environment
• Financial accounting awareness and experience in managing budgets and P&L accounts
• Confident user of Microsoft Office applications
• Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle is essential
• Project management experience is advantageous
• Knowledge in food safety, security, and quality would be advantageous
• Government knowledge of perishable regulations would be advantageous

Management Principles

• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and confidence in engaging and influencing at Managing Director and Executive level
• Passionate about growth, innovation, and delivering new supply chain solutions
• Ability to undertake international, European, and UK travel
• Confident public speaker in representing our client’s brand across the sector internationally
• Resilience and drive to exceed targets; creatively solving problems
• Analytical skills and ability to evaluate statistical and market data to make senior-level recommendations
• Energised by commercial opportunities and able to set out a target strategy
• Ability to negotiate and manage conflict with a proactive and pragmatic approach to deliver successful results
• Creative, open-minded, and innovative with the ability to see the bigger picture across the business
• Ability to develop strong collaborative relationships internally and externally
• Capable of identifying and implementing opportunities to expand service offerings