Job Title: Business Development Manager / Senior BDM – European Road Freight
Location:
Hybrid (Folkestone)
The Opportunity:
Are you an experienced road freight sales professional tired of winning new business only to have your accounts and your commission stripped away and handed to a Key Accounts team after six months?
We are partnering with a highly profitable, mid-market UK freight forwarder to find an elite Business Development Manager for their European road freight division. With 10 offices across the UK, an in-house customs clearance hub to bypass post-Brexit border friction, and their own asset-backed fleet of refrigerated (reefer) and ambient trailers, this business gives you the operational firepower to actually deliver on the promises you make to your clients.
They are looking for a true "hunter" to take ownership of European inbound and outbound routes, heavily targeting the food, FMCG, and supermarket supply chains.
Best of all? After an initial 2-week induction to meet the operations team, this role is highly autonomous, requiring only 2 days per month in the Folkestone office.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Driving New Business: Proactively hunting, quoting, and closing European road freight opportunities (FTL & LTL / Groupage).
- Targeting Premium Sectors: Building a pipeline of B2B clients, specifically targeting manufacturers and suppliers into UK supermarkets and the food/beverage sector.
- Account Retention: Benefiting from an "Account for Life" commission model. You will land the business, transition it alongside a dedicated Account Manager, and continue earning a commission split on the gross profit for the lifetime of the account.
- Commercial Strategy: Undertaking quarterly client business reviews, tracking profit levels, and analyzing market trends to provide commercial solutions.
- Collaboration: Working hand-in-hand with the Folkestone pricing and operations teams to ensure your clients receive a highly tailored, personable service.
What We Are Looking For:
- Direct Industry Experience: You must have a proven track record in freight forwarding sales, specifically focused on European Road Freight.
- The Hunter Mentality: True resilience and a proactive outbound approach. You know how to map out a territory, pick up the phone, and build relationships from scratch.
- The "Black Book": An existing network of shippers, food producers, or industrial manufacturers is highly advantageous.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation skills, high IT literacy (Salesforce/CRM experience), and the ability to report on key financials.
The Package & Benefits:
- Base Salary: £35,000 - £65,000 (Flexible banding based on your billing history and exact level of experience).
- Vehicle: Generous Car Allowance (£450 - £600 per month based on seniority) or Company Car.
- Holiday: 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays (Increasing to 30 days with long service).
- Health & Wellness: Contributory Private Healthcare and a comprehensive Member’s Assistance Programme.
- Extras: 5%/3% matched pension, Cycle to Work scheme, £1,000 employee referral bonus, and a company mobile phone.
- Culture: A highly sociable, supportive environment that rewards hard work without the rigid corporate red tape.
Business Development Manager in Folkestone employer: Pareto
Pareto is an exceptional employer for graduates looking to kickstart their careers in Sales and Account Management. With a strong focus on employee development, the company offers structured training, ongoing support networks, and a vibrant work culture that encourages collaboration and social engagement, all while providing the flexibility of remote working. This unique combination of benefits ensures that you not only grow professionally but also enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance.
