Job title: Business Development Manager
Location: Dover
Salary: c.£52,000
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
*Discretionary annual bonus scheme
*Private Health Care
*Life assurance
*Employee assistance programme
*3rd 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 the 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.
*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:
*Background in logistics, supply chain or ports (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