Business Development Manager

Job title: Business Development Manager

Location: Dover

Salary: up to £52,000 + discretionary bonus

Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week

The role:

We are seeking a proactive, customer-focused Business Development Manager to join our client's growing team. The role will support the development of general cargo services and play a key part in driving new business opportunities.

Benefits:

• 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays


• Birthday leave


• Free Parking


• Generous contributory pension scheme


• Private health care


• Life assurance


• Employee assistance programme


• Third party discounts


• Cycle to work scheme


• Benefits and reward platform


• Employee volunteering scheme

Key responsibilities as the Business Development Manager would be:

• Manage daily interactions with general cargo customers, ensuring high levels of service and timely responses


• Support customer onboarding and align operational requirements across internal teams.


• Maintain regular engagement to identify service improvements and upsell opportunities


• Produce and maintain account management plans.


• Identify and qualify new commercial leads through networking and market insights.


• Support the preparation of proposals, tenders and customer presentations.


• Gather operational and financial data to support business cases and forecasting.


• Contribute to sales pipeline updates and support negotiations.


• Work closely with other teams to ensure customer expectations are met.


• Monitor service performance, escalating any issues or improvement needs.


• Support rate and tariff updates through materials preparation and customer communication.


• Maintain accurate KPI tracking for general cargo accounts within the CRM.


• Attend industry and trade events, ensuring leads are captured and followed up.


• Gather and share market intelligence on competitors, cargo flows and opportunities.


• Maintain accurate CRM records and prepare routine reports on market activity and customer performance.


• Assist in developing internal and external presentations and documents.


• Ensure compliance with relevant quality, safety, security and sustainability standards.


• Support commercial project delivery by coordinating tasks and monitoring progress.


• Contribute to discussions on improving service quality and operational efficiency.


• Support strategic initiatives led by the Head of Business Development.

What success would look like as a Business Development Manager:

• Growth in general cargo revenue year-on-year.


• Strong customer retention and positive service feedback.


• Accurate, timely CRM updates and high-quality customer materials.


• Effective support across proposals, projects, events, and internal activities.


• Consistent delivery of key reports, insights, and commercial outputs.

Experience and skills required:

• Experience in account management or business development in Logistics, Supply Chain or Port operations.


• Strong customer relationship management skills across multiple accounts.


• Understanding of supply chain operations and basic financial principles.


• Competent user of Microsoft Office.


• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.


• Passion for growth, innovation and developing new supply chain solutions.


• Confident public speaker and effective external representative.


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data


• Skilled in negotiation and constructive conflict management.


• Collaborates effectively with Marketing and cross-functional teams.


• Inclusive, adaptable and enthusiastic in a fast-paced setting.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Excellent planning, organisation, and attention to detail.


• Role model for integrity, respect and positive team culture.


• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Project management experience


• Knowledge of quality, security or food safety standards


• Understanding of regulatory frameworks

Next steps:

If this sounds like the ideal position for you and you have the experience outlined above, then please apply and you will be contacted by a member of our team if your CV matches our requirements.

If you would like any further information before applying, then please call Ellie - Permanent Consultant on or email

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