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 industry.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience in freight forwarding and strong sea freight knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
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
- Competitive base salary
- Uncapped bonus / commission structure
- Car allowance + benefits
- Long-term incentives (for senior hires, where applicable)
Sales Director - Freight Forwarding in Leeds employer: Headford Group
As a leading player in the freight forwarding industry, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to excel. With a strong focus on professional development, our Sales Director will benefit from tailored growth opportunities, competitive compensation packages, and a culture that values innovation and collaboration. Located in the UK with flexible working options, we offer a unique chance to make a significant impact in a thriving market while enjoying a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director - Freight Forwarding in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know in the freight forwarding world, the better your chances of landing that Sales Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your deep understanding of sea freight exports and your proven track record in sales leadership. Let them see why you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how you can drive growth and secure key accounts. This will show them you're serious about making an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and help you take the next step in your career. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored just for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director - Freight Forwarding in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored 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 explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your success in sales leadership and business development in the freight forwarding sector.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate how you’ve driven growth and secured key accounts in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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.
