Business Development Manager - Road Freight
ExecutivePlacements.com
Recruiter
Innovazi Consulting
Job Ref
DBN000104/RJ
Date posted
Friday, June 5, 2026
Location
Johannesburg, South Africa
SUMMARY
We are currently partnering with a growing logistics and supply chain business that is expanding its transport and cross-border capabilities. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Business Development Manager with a strong background in road freight and transport solutions.
POSITION INFO
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