Business Development Manager – Contract Logistics at Boardroom Appointments

Purpose of the Role

• To develop and secure profitable Contract Logistics opportunities, including warehousing, distribution, fulfilment, value-added services and integrated supply chain solutions.

Position Summary

• The Business Development Manager - Contract Logistics will be responsible for growing the company's warehousing and contract logistics portfolio. This role requires a commercially minded professional with strong knowledge of warehousing, distribution, inventory management, fulfilment operations, cost modelling and long-term logistics contracts. The successful candidate must be capable of identifying customer needs, designing solutions with operational teams and converting opportunities into profitable contracts.

Key Accountabilities

Business Development and Sales

• Identify and secure new contract logistics, warehousing, distribution and fulfilment opportunities.
• Develop a targeted sales plan for sectors such as FMCG, retail, manufacturing, mining, industrial, automotive and e-commerce.
• Generate leads through prospecting, networking, referrals, customer visits and market research.
• Manage the complete sales cycle from first contact to proposal, negotiation, implementation and handover.
• Develop long-term customer relationships and convert opportunities into sustainable logistics contracts.

Solution Design and Operational Alignment

• Conduct customer needs assessments and understand supply chain challenges.
• Work with operations, finance and management to design practical and profitable logistics solutions.
• Support warehouse layout discussions, distribution planning, stock flow analysis and value-added service proposals.
• Develop customer-specific solutions covering storage, handling, order fulfilment, distribution and inventory control.
• Ensure operational feasibility before finalising commercial commitments.

Commercial Management

• Prepare pricing models, cost analyses, proposals and commercial presentations.
• Participate in RFQs, tenders and contract negotiations.
• Ensure all proposals meet required profitability, service and operational standards.
• Monitor implementation performance and support contract handover to operations.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue within existing accounts.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build relationships with senior decision-makers in procurement, supply chain, operations and finance.
• Conduct business reviews and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Support customer retention through proactive communication and service solution development.
• Identify opportunities to cross-sell customs clearing, freight forwarding, road freight and cross-border services.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Contract Logistics business development.
• Strong understanding of warehousing, distribution, inventory management and supply chain operations.
• Proven record of securing new logistics contracts and achieving commercial targets.
• Ability to prepare professional proposals, pricing models and customer presentations.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and relationship-management skills.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel for customer meetings.

Desirable Experience

• Experience selling warehousing, distribution, e-commerce fulfilment or value-added logistics services.
• Exposure to warehouse management systems, inventory controls and operational KPIs.
• Experience in logistics solutions for FMCG, retail, manufacturing, mining, industrial or automotive customers.
• Experience supporting the implementation of new contracts or warehouse start-ups.