Business Development Manager - Freight Forwarding in Bristol
Business Development Manager - Freight Forwarding

Business Development Manager - Freight Forwarding in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Willis Global Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive revenue growth by securing new business opportunities in international freight services.
  • Company: Rapidly expanding International Freight Forwarder with a commitment to service excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, industry-leading commission, car allowance, and hybrid working options.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the logistics industry.
  • Qualifications: Proven business development experience in freight forwarding and strong negotiation skills.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Due to impressive growth, our client, a rapidly expanding International Freight Forwarder is seeking a Business Development Manager to be based remotely within the UK.

The Company

With offices in London, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow, the business is a rapidly growing international freight forwarder delivering end‑to‑end logistics solutions across air, sea, and road. With a comprehensive service offering that includes import and export freight, warehousing and fulfilment, and customs brokerage, the company supports clients with seamless, compliant, and cost‑effective global supply chain operations. Over recent years, the organisation has achieved impressive and sustained growth, driven by a commitment to service excellence, operational reliability, and strong commercial partnerships. This momentum is underpinned by an ambitious long‑term strategy and a highly experienced management team who continue to invest in people, technology, and infrastructure to support the next phase of expansion.

On Offer:

  • An opportunity to join a rapidly expanding International Freight Forwarder
  • Competitive base salary
  • Highly rewarding and industry leading commission/bonus structure linked to revenue and GP
  • Car allowance or company vehicle
  • Pension and benefits package
  • Hybrid working options

Purpose of the Role

The Business Development Manager will drive revenue growth by identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities across international freight services. Build strong relationships with importers, exporters, manufacturers, and supply chain decision‑makers, positioning the company as a trusted logistics partner offering end‑to‑end solutions.

Key Responsibilities of the Business Development Manager

New Business Acquisition

  • Identify, target, and convert new clients requiring air, sea, road freight, warehousing, and customs brokerage services.
  • Develop a robust sales pipeline through proactive prospecting, networking, and market intelligence.
  • Prepare and deliver tailored proposals, RFQs, and presentations that demonstrate value and service capability.
  • Negotiate commercial terms, ensuring profitable and sustainable business.

Account Development & Relationship Management

  • Manage and grow a portfolio of clients, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and retention.
  • Conduct regular business reviews to identify upsell/cross‑sell opportunities across multimodal freight and value‑added services.
  • Act as a strategic partner to clients, advising on optimal shipping routes, cost efficiencies, and compliance considerations.

Market & Commercial Strategy

  • Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and industry developments to identify new opportunities.
  • Work closely with operations, pricing, and senior leadership to shape commercial strategy and service offerings.
  • Provide accurate sales forecasts, activity reports, and performance insights.

Collaboration & Internal Coordination

  • Liaise with operations teams to ensure smooth onboarding and service delivery for new clients.
  • Support the development of marketing materials, case studies, and campaigns to enhance brand visibility.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across customer experience and service quality.

Skills & Experience Required for the Business Development Manager

Essential

  • Proven track record in business development within freight forwarding.
  • Strong understanding of air, sea, and road freight, including Incoterms, transit times, carrier options, and rate structures.
  • Ability to build rapport with decision‑makers such as logistics managers, supply chain directors, and procurement teams.
  • Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
  • Commercially astute with the ability to structure profitable deals.
  • Self‑motivated, target‑driven, and comfortable working autonomously.

Desirable

  • Existing network of importers/exporters within key verticals (e.g., retail, manufacturing, FMCG).
  • CRM proficiency (HubSpot, Salesforce, or similar).

For full details contact, Willis Global – a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Supply Chain & Logistics industry.

Business Development Manager - Freight Forwarding in Bristol employer: Willis Global Ltd

As a rapidly expanding International Freight Forwarder, our client offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a competitive salary, industry-leading commission structure, and hybrid working options, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while enjoying a supportive culture that values innovation and collaboration. The company's commitment to investing in technology and infrastructure ensures that team members are equipped to succeed in a dynamic and rewarding industry.
Willis Global Ltd

Contact Detail:

Willis Global Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Freight Forwarding in Bristol

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the freight forwarding industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Prepare a killer pitch that highlights your experience in business development and your understanding of logistics. Tailor your approach to each potential client, demonstrating how you can solve their specific challenges in freight forwarding.

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up, follow up, follow up! After meeting someone or sending a proposal, don’t just sit back. A friendly follow-up can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for working together. It’s all about persistence!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Business Development Manager role. Plus, applying directly shows your interest in the company and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Freight Forwarding in Bristol

Business Development
Freight Forwarding
Sales Pipeline Development
Client Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Presentation Skills
Market Intelligence
Commercial Strategy
Understanding of Incoterms
Knowledge of Transit Times
Carrier Options
Rate Structures
CRM Proficiency
Self-Motivated
Target-Driven

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in freight forwarding and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive revenue growth.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell a story about why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to demonstrate your understanding of the logistics industry and how you can contribute to the company's ambitious growth plans.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your negotiation, presentation, and communication skills in your application. These are key for building relationships with clients and securing new business opportunities.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Global Ltd

✨Know Your Freight Forwarding Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of air, sea, and road freight. Understand the key terms like Incoterms and transit times, as well as the company's service offerings. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Networking Skills

Prepare to discuss your existing network of importers and exporters. Highlight any relationships you've built in the industry and how they can benefit the company. This demonstrates your ability to hit the ground running and start generating leads right away.

✨Tailor Your Proposals

Think about how you would prepare tailored proposals for potential clients. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating value-driven presentations and RFQs. This shows that you understand the importance of customising solutions to meet client needs.

✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen

Be prepared to talk about how you structure profitable deals and negotiate commercial terms. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully closed deals or improved client satisfaction. This will highlight your commercial awareness and strategic thinking.

Business Development Manager - Freight Forwarding in Bristol
Willis Global Ltd
Location: Bristol
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