Business Development Manager (Air Freight) in Manchester

Business Development Manager (Air Freight)

Join to apply for the Business Development Manager (Air Freight) role at GFS – Global Freight Services

Job Title: Business Development Manager – Air Freight

Department: Sales

Location: Based in Manchester with occasional National/Regional travel as required

Reports To: General Manager – UK

Overview

This is a strategic role aimed at establishing a new Airfreight division within the organisation. The BDM will be responsible for building a product, defining a process, and leading key initiatives that drive operational excellence, sales growth, and business expansion. This role requires a proactive, innovative professional who can create a solid operational foundation from the ground up, leveraging strong project management skills, extensive industry networks, and business development expertise.

Job Summary

We are seeking a proactive and results‑oriented Airfreight Business Development Manager to join our team. This role is responsible for driving new business growth in airfreight services, developing and launching innovative airfreight products that meet evolving customer & business needs. The successful candidate will build strong client & supplier relationships and collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver tailored logistics solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Play a pivotal role in building and developing the company’s airfreight volumes, including strategy, operations, and sales growth.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities in the airfreight sector to build a solid client base.
• Develop and launch innovative airfreight products aligned with market demand and company capabilities.
• Establish strong relationships with clients, airlines, and industry partners to grow the airfreight network.
• Collaborate closely with operations and our global teams to ensure seamless delivery and execution of airfreight services and products.
• Lead contract negotiations and secure agreements that support division growth and profitability.
• Analyse market trends, customer needs, and competitor offerings to inform the division’s strategy and product portfolio.
• Prepare and present proposals, quotations, and presentations to prospective clients and partners.
• Represent the company at relevant industry events, trade shows, and networking forums to build brand recognition and generate leads.
• Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation to closing deals and ensuring excellent post‑sale service.
• Partner with finance to develop pricing strategies that ensure profitability and support division objectives.
• Design campaigns and promotional materials specific to the airfreight division.
• Monitor and report on sales performance, customer satisfaction, and product success to senior management.
• Stay current on airfreight regulations, customs procedures, and airline policies that impact division operations and service quality.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in business development or sales within the airfreight or logistics industry, preferably with experience helping to build or expand a business division.
• Demonstrated ability to design, launch, and manage logistics or airfreight products.
• Strong negotiation, relationship‑building, and communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and strategic planning abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Preferred

• Degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• In‑depth knowledge of international airfreight regulations, customs procedures, and airline operations.

Key Competencies & Skills

• 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.

Additional Requirements

• 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.

Apply Now

If this sounds like you, apply now!

As an equal opportunity employer, we shall 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.