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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage accounts for perishable goods customers and drive business growth.
- Company: Join one of Europe's busiest ports, thriving in the cargo industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private healthcare, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in logistics and supply chain.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and a strong background in sales is essential.
- Other info: International travel opportunities and a vibrant work culture await you.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive, customer-focused Business Development Manager (General Cargo) to join our growing Commercial team. This is an exciting, commercial role that supports the development of general cargo services and helps drive new business opportunities across the sector.
You will manage day-to-day relationships with customers, generate new leads, commercial proposals, and help deliver the Ports wider commercial strategy.
This is a hands-on, customer-facing role with real impact in shaping the future of our general cargo operations. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy building strong partnerships, and want to contribute to the growth of a key strategic business area, wed love to hear from you.
What Youll Be Doing
Customer Relationship Management
Manage daily interactions with general cargo customers, ensuring high levels of service and timely responses.
Support customer onboarding and align operational requirements across internal teams.
Maintain regular customer engagement to identify service improvements and upsell opportunities.
Produce and maintain account management plans with guidance from the Head of Business Development.
Business Development Support
Identify and qualify new commercial leads through networking, market insight, and industry engagement.
Support the preparation of proposals, tenders, and customer presentations.
Gather operational and financial data to support business cases and forecasting.
Contribute to sales pipeline updates and support negotiations by coordinating key inputs.
Operational Coordination & Service Delivery
Work closely with Operations, Finance, Engineering and other teams to ensure customer expectations are met.
Monitor service performance, escalating any issues or improvement needs.
Support rate and tariff updates through materials preparation and customer communication.
Maintain accurate KPI tracking for general cargo accounts within the CRM.
Market Awareness & Promotion
Attend industry and trade events, ensuring leads are captured and followed up.
Gather and share market intelligence on competitors, cargo flows and emerging opportunities.
Reporting & Administration
Maintain accurate CRM records and prepare routine reports on market activity, customer performance, and events.
Assist in developing internal and external presentations and documents.
Ensure compliance with relevant quality, safety, security and sustainability standards.
Team & Cross-Functional Support
Support commercial project delivery by coordinating tasks and monitoring progress.
Contribute to discussions on improving service quality and operational efficiency.
Support strategic initiatives led by the Head of Business Development.
What Success Looks Like
Growth in general cargo revenue year-on-year
Strong customer retention and positive service feedback
Accurate, timely CRM updates and high quality customer materials
Effective support across proposals, projects, events, and internal activities
Consistent delivery of key reports, insights, and commercial outputs
What Were Looking For
Knowledge & Experience
Experience in account management or business development within a commercial environment.
Background in logistics, supply chain or ports (desirable).
Strong customer relationship management skills across multiple accounts.
Understanding of supply chain operations and basic financial principles.
Competent user of Microsoft Office; full UK driving licence required.
Desirable:
Project management experience
Knowledge of quality, security or food safety standards
Understanding of regulatory frameworks
Management & Commercial Skills
Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
Passion for growth, innovation and developing new supply chain solutions.
Confident public speaker and effective external representative.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data.
Skilled in negotiation and constructive conflict management.
People & Behavioural Skills
Positive relationship-builder internally and externally.
Collaborates effectively with Marketing and cross-functional teams.
Inclusive, adaptable and enthusiastic in a fast-paced setting.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent planning, organisation, and attention to detail.
Role model for integrity, respect and positive team culture.
Why Join Us?
Youll play a key role in shaping and growing a strategically important part of our business. This is a dynamic role with significant customer interaction, cross department collaboration and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how general cargo services evolve at the Port.
Salary: IRO £52k (plus discretionary bonus)
Benefits
- 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
- Generous contributory pension scheme
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
- Private Health Care
- Life assurance
- Employee assistance programme
- 3rd party discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Benefits and reward platform
- Free Parking
- Employee volunteering scheme
All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.
Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.
We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.
All applications are reviewed by our team we do not use AI for screening.
Closing date: 01 May 2026 at 5pm
Business Development Manager employer: Jobs In Maritime Ltd
Contact Detail:
Jobs In Maritime Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the perishable goods sector and the specific challenges it faces in logistics. Understanding the nuances of this industry will help you engage more effectively with potential clients and demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the ports and logistics community, especially focusing on events or forums related to perishable goods. Building relationships with industry professionals can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in business development, particularly in managing accounts and driving revenue growth. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to build partnerships and deliver results in a competitive environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our company’s values and recent developments in the cargo business. Tailoring your conversation to align with our mission and demonstrating your enthusiasm for contributing to our growth will make a strong impression during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development, particularly within the perishable goods or logistics sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the industry. Mention how your background in sales and account management makes you a perfect fit for the Business Development Manager position. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for contributing to the company's growth.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your understanding of the freight and logistics industries, as well as your ability to develop detailed commercial proposals. Mention any project management experience and your capability to create marketing materials and presentations.
Showcase Your Customer Focus: Demonstrate your customer-centric approach by providing examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Highlight your ability to build partnerships and deliver world-class supply chain solutions, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobs In Maritime Ltd
✨Research the Company and Industry
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the company and the logistics industry, especially focusing on perishable goods. Understanding their operations, challenges, and recent developments will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge during the conversation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage customer relationships. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges in business development or account management, particularly in the logistics sector.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since project management experience is desirable for this role, be ready to discuss any relevant projects you've managed. Highlight your ability to coordinate with different teams and ensure quality standards are met, especially in a fast-paced environment like a port.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Supply Chain Solutions
Express your enthusiasm for delivering world-class supply chain solutions. Share insights on how you can contribute to the company's growth and success, and be prepared to discuss innovative ideas you have for enhancing their services in the perishable goods sector.