Business Development Manager - Air & Sea Freight in Manchester

This is a strategic role focused on establishing and growing new Air and Sea freight divisions within the organisation. The BDM will build product offerings, define processes, and lead initiatives that drive operational excellence, sales growth and business expansion across both ocean and air modalities.

The role requires a proactive, innovative professional who can create a robust operational foundation, leveraging strong project management, extensive industry networks, and commercial expertise across air and sea logistics.

We seek a proactive and results-oriented Business Development Manager – Air & Sea Freight to lead new business growth and product development in both air and ocean freight services. The successful candidate will develop and launch innovative multimodal logistics solutions that meet evolving customer and business needs, building strong client and carrier relationships and collaborating cross‑functionally to deliver tailored end‑to‑end logistics solutions.

• Play a pivotal role in building and developing the company’s air and sea freight volumes, covering strategy, operations, and sales growth.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities across air freight and ocean freight (container FCL/LCL, conventional, and multimodal solutions) to build a solid client base.
• Develop and launch innovative air and sea products aligned with market demand and company capabilities, including value‑added services such as door‑to‑door, customs clearance, warehousing, and inland haulage.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with clients, airlines, shipping lines, NVOCCs, port agents, and industry partners to grow the network and secure space/competitive rates.
• Collaborate closely with operations, global teams, ports/terminals and carriers to ensure seamless delivery and execution of air and sea services and products.
• Lead contract and space negotiations, secure agreements and rate structures that support division growth and profitability.
• Manage customer quotations, routing proposals and transit time analysis for both air and ocean options, ensuring competitive, compliant solutions.
• Analyse market trends, carrier schedules, rate trends, capacity constraints and competitor offerings to inform strategy and product portfolio.
• Prepare and present proposals, quotations, and presentations to prospective clients and partners.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows and shipping/air conferences to build brand recognition and generate leads.
• Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation to deal closure and ensure excellent post‑sale account management.
• Partner with finance to develop pricing strategies (including FAK, surcharges, bunker/air fuel considerations and margin management) that ensure profitability and meet division objectives.
• Design campaigns and promotional materials specific to air and sea divisions.
• Monitor and report on sales performance, customer satisfaction, on‑time performance, transit times and product success to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with relevant air and sea freight regulations, including customs procedures, INCOTERMS, SOLAS/VGM, IMDG/DG rules and airline/liner policies that impact operations and service quality.
• Support escalation management and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce dwell times, improve vessel/flight connections and enhance customer experience.

• Proven experience in business development or sales within the airfreight and/or ocean freight logistics industry, preferably with experience helping to build or expand a business division.
• Demonstrated ability to design, launch and manage logistics products across air and sea modalities.
• Knowledge of container logistics (FCL/LCL), vessel schedules, liner terms, booking processes, bills of lading and air waybill procedures.
• Familiarity with customs requirements, INCOTERMS, SOLAS/VGM, IMDG/DG regulations and other compliance aspects for international transport.
• Strong negotiation, relationship‑building and communication skills with carriers, agents and customers.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and strategic planning abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and confidence using CRM/TMS systems.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Preferred: Degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or related field.
• In‑depth knowledge of international air and ocean freight operations, port and terminal processes, and shipping line/airline commercial models.
• Experience working with multimodal solutions and integrated supply chain offers.

• Demonstrated sales acumen with strong negotiation abilities, business development skills and a customer‑focused approach.
• Extensive operational network experience, with the ability to establish and maintain high‑level relationships across various industries.
• Strong analytical capabilities, comfortable using data and market trends to inform decision‑making and foster continuous improvement.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and engage stakeholders at all levels.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as project needs require.
• A proactive, detail‑oriented mindset with a high level of commitment to quality and excellence in service delivery.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast‑paced, evolving business environment.

As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.