At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a high-performing sales team in sea freight exports.
- Company: Dynamic freight forwarding company with a focus on international growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped bonuses, car allowance, and long-term incentives.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Drive strategic growth and make a real impact in the freight forwarding industry.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience in freight forwarding and strong sea freight knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Location: [UK / Flexible]
Reporting to: Managing Director / CEO
Role Overview
We are seeking a commercially driven Sales Director with a specialist focus on sea freight export to lead and grow a high-performing sales function. This individual will be responsible for driving strategic growth, securing key accounts, and expanding market share across international ocean freight export services. The role requires a strong blend of leadership, hands-on business development, and deep operational understanding of export freight forwarding.
Key Responsibilities
- Sales Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and execute a sales strategy focused on sea freight export growth across key trade lanes.
- Lead, mentor and develop an existing team of Business Development Managers and Account Managers.
- Drive a high-performance sales culture with clear KPIs, targets, and accountability.
- Collaborate with senior leadership on revenue forecasting and growth planning.
- Business Development
- Identify and secure large-scale export opportunities, including major BCOs and contract logistics customers.
- Build strong relationships with shipping lines, NVOCCs, and global agents.
- Maintain an active personal pipeline and lead from the front on strategic deals.
- Expand presence in key verticals (Retail, FMCG, Automotive, Industrial, etc.).
- Commercial Management
- Own pricing strategy in collaboration with procurement and operations.
- Lead negotiations on complex RFQs, tenders, and global contracts.
- Ensure profitable growth through effective margin management.
- Customer & Market Focus
- Develop and maintain key account relationships at senior level.
- Monitor market trends, carrier capacity, and rate movements to stay competitive.
- Position the business as a trusted partner for export solutions.
- Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with operations to ensure service delivery excellence.
- Partner with product, air/road divisions, and overseas offices for integrated solutions.
- Support M&A or growth initiatives where required.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven track record in a senior sales leadership role within freight forwarding.
- Strong sea freight export knowledge.
- Demonstrated success in winning and growing large accounts.
- Experience managing and developing sales teams.
- Deep understanding of:
- Export documentation & compliance
- Ocean freight pricing structures
- Global trade lanes (Europe, Asia, Americas, etc.)
- Strong network across carriers, clients, and agents.
Key Competencies
- Commercially astute and results-driven
- Strategic thinker with hands-on approach
- Strong leadership and people development skills
- Excellent negotiation and influencing ability
- High level of resilience and accountability
Package (Example)
- Competitive base salary
- Uncapped bonus / commission structure
- Car allowance + benefits
- Long-term incentives (for senior hires, where applicable)
Sales Director - Freight Forwarding in Humber employer: Headford Group
As a leading player in the freight forwarding industry, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our Sales Director role offers not only competitive compensation and an uncapped commission structure but also unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. Located in the UK with flexible working options, we are committed to driving innovation and success while ensuring our employees feel valued and engaged.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director - Freight Forwarding in Humber
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about sea freight exports. It’ll set you apart as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges in the freight forwarding space. This will help you tailor your answers and show you’re genuinely interested in their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Sales Director role, and we want to see your application come through directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director - Freight Forwarding in Humber
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Sales Director role. Highlight your experience in sea freight exports and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive growth in our sales function. Be specific about your achievements in freight forwarding.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable results. Did you secure major accounts or exceed sales targets? We love numbers that demonstrate your impact in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headford Group
✨Know Your Sea Freight Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of sea freight exports. Understand the key trade lanes, pricing structures, and export documentation. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will show that you're not just a sales leader but also someone who truly understands the operational side of the business.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed sales teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you drove performance or mentored team members. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a high-performance culture, which is crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategic Growth
Come prepared with ideas on how to drive strategic growth in sea freight exports. Think about potential large-scale export opportunities and how you would approach securing them. This shows that you're proactive and have a vision for the future of the company.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
If possible, try to connect with people in the industry or even within the company before your interview. Having insights into their operations or challenges can give you an edge. Plus, it shows that you're genuinely interested in building relationships, which is key for a Sales Director.
