At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key customer accounts and drive growth in the perishable supply chain.
- Company: Join a leading infrastructure organisation with a world-class logistics facility.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model and competitive salary up to £53K pro rata.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team making a real impact in the perishables sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics, account management, and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Opportunity to represent the business at trade events and collaborate across sectors.
Business Development Manager Logistics / Perishables Hybrid (3 days in Kent office) Perm up to £53K pro rata
Are you a commercially driven professional with experience in logistics and perishables? Do you thrive in fast-paced, complex supply chain environments, managing key customer relationships and driving strategic growth?
We re working with a market-leading infrastructure organisation operating a world-class cargo and logistics facility to recruit a Business Development Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving and innovative team focused on delivering high-impact commercial solutions across the perishable goods sector.
The Role
As Business Development Manager, you will:
- Take ownership of key customer accounts and identify growth opportunities across the perishable supply chain.
- Lead commercial activities including profit and loss management for current and future accounts.
- Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with retailers, importers, agents, and shipping lines.
- Drive engagement through a customer-first approach while contributing to the wider commercial strategy.
- Represent the business at trade events, networking across national and international markets.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams operations, service, and innovation to deliver tailored logistics solutions.
- Contribute to cross-sector projects across various business units including ferry, cruise, and property operations.
What We re Looking For
- Proven experience in account management and business development within logistics or supply chain.
- Sector knowledge of perishables, shipping, or food import/export is highly desirable.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering growth and building strategic partnerships.
- Experience working with retailers, supermarkets, importers, and/or logistics agents.
- Sound knowledge of P&L, budgeting, and commercial project delivery.
- Confident communicator with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Proactive, adaptable, and solution-focused with excellent analytical abilities.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally and internationally.
Business Development Manager - Logistics / Perishables employer: Headliners Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Headliners Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Logistics / Perishables
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the logistics and perishables sectors. Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meetups to connect with professionals who can provide insights or referrals. Building relationships in these circles can give you a leg up when applying for the Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on industry trends and challenges in the perishables supply chain. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the market, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven growth in previous roles. Highlight your experience with P&L management and strategic partnerships, as these are key aspects of the job. Being able to articulate your successes will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company’s operations and recent projects. Understanding their business model and how they fit into the logistics landscape will allow you to tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Logistics / Perishables
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in logistics and perishables. Focus on your achievements in account management and business development, particularly any growth you've driven in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial acumen and understanding of the perishables sector. Mention specific examples of how you've built strategic partnerships and managed key customer accounts.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills that are crucial for this role, such as negotiation, stakeholder management, and analytical abilities. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've applied these skills in past positions.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: In your application, express your passion for the logistics industry and your eagerness to contribute to the company's commercial strategy. Mention your willingness to travel and engage with customers at trade events.
How to prepare for a job interview at Headliners Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Industry Knowledge
Make sure to demonstrate your understanding of the logistics and perishables sector during the interview. Discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry to show that you are well-informed and passionate about the field.
✨Highlight Your Relationship Management Skills
Since the role involves managing key customer accounts, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships with clients. Use metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact on customer satisfaction and retention.
✨Prepare for Commercial Discussions
Given the emphasis on profit and loss management, brush up on your financial acumen. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to P&L management in previous roles and how you can apply that experience to drive growth in this position.
✨Demonstrate a Customer-First Mindset
The company values a customer-first approach, so prepare to discuss how you've prioritised customer needs in your past roles. Share examples of how you've tailored solutions to meet client demands and how that has led to successful outcomes.