Business Development Manager ( Freight Forwarding)

About the Client

Element HR Consulting is hiring on behalf of a UAE-based freight forwarding company that is building its business from the ground up. The client operates across air, sea, and land freight and is focused on establishing strong market presence and sustainable revenue growth.

Role Summary

The Business Development Manager – Freight Forwarding will be responsible for building the freight forwarding business from scratch, owning client acquisition, revenue generation, and market development within the UAE.

This role requires a hands-on sales professional with deep understanding of freight forwarding operations, pricing, trade lanes, and customer acquisition in the UAE market.

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Business Development

• Build and execute freight forwarding sales strategy from zero.
• Drive new business across Air Freight, Sea Freight (FCL/LCL), and Land Transport.
• Identify, target, and onboard importers, exporters, trading companies, manufacturers, and SMEs.
• Own the full sales cycle from lead generation to deal closure.

Client Acquisition & Account Management

• Establish direct relationships with decision-makers including logistics managers, procurement heads, and business owners.
• Prepare and negotiate freight quotations, contracts, margins, and payment terms.
• Convert spot shipments into long-term contractual business.
• Ensure smooth handover to operations and maintain strong client relationships.

Market & Trade Lane Development

• Identify high-potential trade lanes and services aligned with UAE import/export demand.
• Monitor competitor pricing and carrier rate movements.
• Provide inputs on pricing strategy and margin optimization.

KPIs & Success Metrics

• New customer acquisition
• Monthly and quarterly freight revenue
• Shipment volumes (TEUs / tonnage)
• Gross margin per shipment
• Customer retention

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, or Supply Chain (preferred).
• 5–8 years of freight forwarding sales experience in the UAE.
• Proven ability to build freight business from scratch or early-stage operations.
• Strong knowledge of air/sea/land freight, incoterms, and trade lanes.
• Experience handling credit terms and payment cycles.
• Highly self-driven and results-oriented.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Application Question(s):

• How many new freight customers did you personally close in the last 12 months?
• What was your average monthly freight revenue in your last role?
• What is your current salary?
• What is your expected Salary?
• What is your notice period?