Role Overview
The Business Development Manager will be responsible for driving new business growth across domestic and cross-border road freight. This role requires a commercially focused professional with strong industry knowledge, the ability to design practical transport solutions, and a proven track record of securing new clients and long-term contracts.

Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Sales

• Identify and secure new road freight clients and transport contracts
• Develop opportunities across full truckload, part load, dedicated fleet, linehaul, distribution, and cross-border solutions
• Build and manage a strong sales pipeline from prospecting through to contract award
• Conduct client meetings, presentations, and proposal discussions
• Develop targeted sales strategies across industries including mining, FMCG, retail, manufacturing, industrial, and agriculture

Commercial Management

• Prepare transport solutions, route planning, and pricing structures
• Work closely with operations and fleet teams to ensure feasibility of proposed solutions
• Participate in RFQs, tenders, and commercial negotiations
• Ensure pricing reflects cost, risk, and service delivery requirements while protecting margins
• Monitor performance, revenue, and profitability of secured accounts

Client Relationship Management

• Build relationships with key stakeholders including logistics managers, procurement teams, and supply chain leaders
• Conduct regular client reviews and identify opportunities for improvement and growth
• Address commercial concerns and coordinate internally to resolve operational issues
• Identify cross-selling opportunities across broader logistics services

Market Development

• Identify new routes, industries, and cross-border opportunities
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and rate movements
• Provide market insights to support strategic decision-making

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in road freight business development
• Strong understanding of domestic and cross-border transport operations
• Proven track record of securing new business and achieving sales targets
• Solid knowledge of transport costing, route planning, and logistics requirements
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel

Desirable Experience

• Experience selling cross-border transport solutions within the SADC region
• Exposure to fleet operations, clearing processes, and border requirements
• Industry experience across mining, FMCG, manufacturing, retail, industrial, or agriculture
• Experience with long-term transport contracts and tender submissions

Key Competencies

• Strong sales drive and market awareness
• Commercially disciplined and margin-focused
• Ability to design practical, client-focused transport solutions
• Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills
• Resilient, proactive, and results-driven

Performance Indicators

• New business revenue growth
• Gross profit and margin performance
• Customer acquisition and retention
• Tender conversion success
• Revenue growth by route or corridor
• Cross-selling success

Additional Information

• Regular client and site visits required
• Travel within South Africa and potentially into the SADC region may be required
• This role suits a driven, commercially focused professional who thrives in a growth-oriented environment