At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth by identifying new clients and securing profitable contracts.
- Company: Fast-growing logistics company based in Birmingham with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, hybrid working, and career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity for future equity and direct involvement in commercial strategy.
- Why this job: Join a young, ambitious team and make a real impact on company growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development within logistics or transport sectors.
UPD is a fast-growing logistics company based in Birmingham, providing nationwide same-day courier and transport services across the UK.
Over the past three years, we have grown from a small operation with two drivers into an expanding business managing approximately 40 vehicles nationwide. As we enter the next stage of our development, we are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Manager to help expand our direct client portfolio and generate sustainable revenue growth.
This is a key role for an ambitious sales professional with experience in freight forwarding, logistics, transport or same-day courier services. You will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, developing strong client relationships and securing profitable contracts with businesses requiring reliable transport and logistics solutions.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the company’s commercial strategy and long-term growth.
Responsibilities
- Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities through prospecting, networking, referrals, industry events and market research
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective direct clients
- Target businesses requiring same-day courier, dedicated transport, freight forwarding and nationwide logistics services
- Develop and execute business development strategies that increase revenue and expand the company’s market presence
- Contact prospective clients through telephone calls, email campaigns, LinkedIn and face-to-face meetings
- Understand each client’s operational requirements and present tailored logistics solutions
- Prepare professional quotations, proposals, presentations and service agreements
- Negotiate commercial terms while protecting company margins and service standards
- Secure new client accounts and support the onboarding process
- Develop long-term relationships with clients, decision-makers and industry partners
- Work closely with the operations team to ensure proposed solutions are operationally achievable
- Maintain accurate records of leads, opportunities, client activity and sales performance within the company CRM
- Monitor the sales pipeline and provide regular forecasts and performance updates
- Identify cross-selling and account-development opportunities within the existing client portfolio
- Maintain current knowledge of logistics market trends, competitor activity and emerging commercial opportunities
- Represent UPD professionally at meetings, networking events and industry functions
Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in business development, sales or account management within logistics, transport, freight forwarding or same-day courier services
- Demonstrable track record of generating new business and achieving or exceeding sales targets
- Strong understanding of the UK transport and logistics market
- Ability to identify, approach and engage relevant business decision-makers
- Strong prospecting, relationship-building and account-development capabilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Confident presentation, negotiation and contract-closing skills
- Commercial awareness with the ability to balance revenue growth, operational feasibility and profit margin
- Ability to understand client transport requirements and develop suitable service solutions
- Experience using CRM systems to manage leads, pipelines and sales activity
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Self-motivated, proactive and capable of working independently
- Comfortable operating in a fast-growing and continuously developing business
- Existing industry connections or an established client network would be a major advantage
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Uncapped commission structure
- Significant earning potential linked directly to performance
- Birmingham-based hybrid working arrangement
- Opportunity to work within a young, ambitious and growth-focused team
- Direct involvement in the company’s commercial development and expansion
- Autonomy to develop new markets, clients and business opportunities
- Long-term career progression as the company continues to grow
- Potential future equity or share opportunities for the right candidate, subject to performance and long‑term contribution
About You
You are commercially focused, persistent and confident in developing new relationships from the initial introduction through to contract completion.
You understand that successful logistics sales require more than generating leads. You can identify genuine client requirements, develop commercially viable solutions and build relationships based on reliability, responsiveness and consistent service delivery.
You will be comfortable working within an ambitious business where your performance will have a direct and measurable impact on the company’s growth.
Business Development Manager in Birmingham employer: UPD
UPD is an excellent employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the logistics sector. With a competitive salary, uncapped commission structure, and a hybrid working arrangement in Birmingham, employees enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters growth and innovation. The company prioritises long-term career progression and offers unique opportunities for equity or share participation, making it an attractive choice for ambitious professionals eager to shape their future in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like UPD and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at UPD!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like UPD keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to UPD:This is your chance to really connect with the team at UPD. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at UPD
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with UPD.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show UPD that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at UPD. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
