Sales Manager - Multimodal Freight Forwarding in Maidstone

Location: Greenhithe, Kent

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Monday - Friday; Office-based)

Start Date: Immediate

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Sales Manager to lead business development across sea, air and/or road freight. This is a hands-on sales role for someone who can build and manage a strong pipeline, win profitable new business and develop long-term customer relationships. The successful candidate will be expected to operate with a high level of commercial ownership, using their industry knowledge, network and sales capability to drive sustainable growth.

You will be responsible for identifying and winning new business, developing long-term commercial accounts, and acting as a trusted partner to clients by understanding their freight requirements and offering tailored logistics solutions. This is an opportunity for an ambitious freight professional to make a meaningful commercial impact, influence the company's growth strategy and establish a strong presence within their market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of the full business development cycle, from identifying opportunities through to negotiation, conversion and account growth.
• Build, manage and maintain a healthy pipeline across sea, air and/or road freight.
• Win profitable new business through targeted outreach, industry networking, referrals and existing commercial relationships.
• Develop long-term client partnerships by understanding customer requirements and delivering commercially effective freight solutions.
• Set clear sales priorities, manage activity levels and remain accountable for revenue, margin and conversion performance.
• Identify new markets, sectors and strategic opportunities that support sustainable business growth.
• Work closely with pricing, operations and management teams to ensure proposals are competitive, deliverable and commercially sound.
• Provide leadership and commercial direction to the wider sales function, promoting high standards, consistency and accountability.
• Represent the company confidently at client meetings, industry events and commercial negotiations.

What We're Looking For:

• A minimum of 4+ years' experience within the freight forwarding industry.
• A proven track record in sales or business development across sea, air and/or road freight.
• Demonstrable success in building a healthy pipeline, winning new business and developing profitable long-term accounts.
• Strong commercial judgement, with a clear understanding of pricing, margins and the operational realities of freight forwarding.
• Confidence in cold outreach, networking, negotiation and presenting tailored solutions to prospective clients.
• A proactive and accountable approach, with the ability to work independently and drive results.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the credibility to influence colleagues, clients and senior stakeholders.
• An established industry network or existing customer portfolio would be advantageous.
• Comfortable working in an environment where teamwork and flexibility are important.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary plus an attractive commission structure.
• Enhanced holiday entitlement based on length of service.
• Opportunity to play a key role in the growth of a developing business.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• WFH flexibility after one year of service.
• Opportunities for long-term career progression as the business develops.

This role would suit an experienced freight forwarding professional who enjoys sales, relationship-building, and developing long-term commercial partnerships while helping grow a small but ambitious business.