At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead national sales strategy and drive new business growth in logistics.
- Company: Join Kuehne+Nagel, a global leader in logistics with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Influence revenue growth and enjoy a dynamic international work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the logistics industry and shape commercial success.
- Qualifications: Senior sales leadership experience in freight forwarding and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
It's more than a job. With a sales career at Kuehne+Nagel, you'll drive long-term business success by mastering sales strategies, nurturing customer relationships and identifying new opportunities. Are you a strategic commercial leader ready to drive national growth in freight forwarding? We're looking for a dynamic Sales Director UK to lead and execute our national sales strategy with a strong focus on new business acquisition (>80%).
You will shape the commercial direction across air, sea, road, and contract logistics, while leading a high‑performing national sales organisation aligned with Kuehne+Nagel's global and UK objectives. You will play a pivotal role on the UK Management Board, influencing business strategy, strengthening market position, and ensuring sustainable revenue and margin growth.
How you create impact:
- Develop and execute the UK national sales strategy with a strong emphasis on new customer acquisition and sustainable revenue growth.
- Drive structured new business development across air, sea, road, and contract logistics, ensuring a robust and healthy sales pipeline.
- Lead major commercial negotiations, complex bids, and pricing strategies to secure profitable long‑term partnerships.
- Inspire, coach, and develop a high‑performing national sales team with a strong hunting mindset and clear performance accountability.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer behaviour to proactively identify growth opportunities and mitigate risks.
- Ensure accurate forecasting, pipeline management, and transparent reporting to support data‑driven decision‑making.
- Collaborate closely with operations, product, finance, and customer service teams to align commercial commitments with operational excellence.
- Contribute actively as a member of the UK Management Board, providing insight on sales performance, market dynamics, and strategic direction.
What we would like you to bring:
- Significant senior sales leadership experience within freight forwarding or multi‑modal logistics.
- Proven track record of delivering substantial new business growth and leading national sales teams.
- Strong strategic mindset with the ability to translate market insight into actionable commercial plans.
- Advanced negotiation skills and experience managing complex commercial agreements and key accounts.
- Solid financial acumen, including forecasting, budgeting, and performance management.
- Deep understanding of air, sea, road, and warehouse logistics services.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, including board‑level exposure.
- Fluent English.
What's in it for you:
At Kuehne+Nagel, you will have the opportunity to lead national commercial strategy within a global logistics leader. You will directly influence revenue growth, strengthen market presence, and contribute to sustainable long‑term success. You will work within an international, collaborative environment where leadership, accountability, and innovation are valued — and where your impact extends far beyond sales results.
Sales Director UK employer: Kuehne+Nagel
Contact Detail:
Kuehne+Nagel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how you can drive growth in freight forwarding. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they align with the role of Sales Director. Highlight your strategic mindset and past successes in new business acquisition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Sales Director role. Highlight your experience in freight forwarding and any significant achievements in new business growth. We want to see how you can drive success!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your strategic mindset and how you've led high-performing teams. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for Kuehne+Nagel and how you can contribute to our goals.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since this role involves major commercial negotiations, be sure to include examples of complex deals you've managed. We love seeing how you've secured profitable partnerships in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kuehne+Nagel
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Sales Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss your past sales figures, forecasting methods, and how you've driven revenue growth. Bring specific examples of how you’ve managed budgets and achieved targets.
✨Master the Market
Research Kuehne+Nagel's position in the logistics market. Understand their competitors, recent trends, and customer behaviours. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can contribute to their national sales strategy and identify new business opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading high-performing sales teams. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed your team, particularly in fostering a 'hunting mindset'. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you hold your team accountable for performance.
✨Prepare for Complex Negotiations
Since the role involves major commercial negotiations, think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex bids or agreements. Be prepared to discuss your negotiation strategies and how you ensure profitable long-term partnerships.