Business Development Manager - Contract Logistics

A leading logistics and supply chain provider is seeking a commercially driven Business Development Manager to grow their Contract Logistics portfolio. The company delivers integrated warehousing, distribution, fulfilment, value-added services and end-to-end supply chain solutions across South Africa, the SADC region and international markets. They are in a strong growth phase and are expanding their commercial team to secure larger, longer-term contracts and deliver exceptional service.

Purpose of the Role

To develop and secure profitable Contract Logistics opportunities, including warehousing, distribution,

fulfilment, value-added services and integrated supply chain solutions.

The Role

The Business Development Manager - Contract Logistics will be responsible for growing the company's

warehousing and contract logistics portfolio. This role requires a commercially minded professional with strong knowledge of warehousing, distribution, inventory management, fulfilment operations, cost modelling and longterm logistics contracts. The successful candidate must be capable of identifying customer needs, designing solutions with operational teams and converting opportunities into profitable, sustainable contracts.

Business Development and Sales

• Identify and secure new contract logistics, warehousing, distribution and fulfilment opportunities.

• Develop a targeted sales plan for sectors such as FMCG, retail, manufacturing, mining, industrial,

automotive and e-commerce.

• Generate leads through prospecting, networking, referrals, customer visits and market research.

• Manage the complete sales cycle from first contact to proposal, negotiation, implementation and

handover.

• Develop long-term customer relationships and convert opportunities into sustainable logistics contracts.

Solution Design and Operational Alignment

• Conduct customer needs assessments and understand supply chain challenges.

• Work with operations, finance and management to design practical and profitable logistics solutions.

• Support warehouse layout discussions, distribution planning, stock flow analysis and value-added

service proposals.

• Develop customer-specific solutions covering storage, handling, order fulfilment, distribution and

inventory control.

• Ensure operational feasibility before finalising commercial commitments.

Commercial Management

• Prepare pricing models, cost analyses, proposals and commercial presentations.

• Participate in RFQs, tenders and contract negotiations.

• Ensure all proposals meet required profitability, service and operational standards.

• Monitor implementation performance and support contract handover to operations.

• Identify opportunities to increase revenue within existing accounts.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build relationships with senior decision-makers in procurement, supply chain, operations and finance.

• Conduct business reviews and identify continuous improvement opportunities.

• Support customer retention through proactive communication and service solution development.

• Identify opportunities to cross-sell customs clearing, freight forwarding, road freight and cross-border

services.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Contract Logistics business development.

• Strong understanding of warehousing, distribution, inventory management and supply chain operations.

• Proven record of securing new logistics contracts and achieving commercial targets.

• Ability to prepare professional proposals, pricing models and customer presentations.

• Strong negotiation, analytical and relationship-management skills.

• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel for customer meetings.

Desirable Experience

• Experience selling warehousing, distribution, e-commerce fulfilment or value-added logistics services.

• Exposure to warehouse management systems, inventory controls and operational KPIs.

• Experience in logistics solutions for FMCG, retail, manufacturing, mining, industrial or automotive

customers.

• Experience supporting implementation of new contracts or warehouse start-ups.

Key Competencies

• Strong commercial and analytical thinking.

• Ability to translate customer needs into practical logistics solutions.

• Professional presentation and negotiation skills.

• Strong internal coordination with operations and finance.

• Target-driven and accountable.

• High attention to detail in pricing and contract preparation.

Key Performance Indicators

• New contracts secured

• Revenue growth

• Gross profit growth

• Warehouse occupancy or utilisation growth

• Tender conversion rate

• Contract implementation success

• Customer retention and account expansion

Travel Requirements

Regular customer visits and operational site visits within South Africa and, where applicable, the SADC region may be required depending on business needs.

Will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

This opportunity is being managed exclusively by Apexire — South Africa's specialist AI-powered recruitment partner.

We connect exceptional talent with leading companies in the industry. All applications and candidate

information are handled with strict confidentiality.

To apply: Submit your CV and cover letter to ***email_hidden***.

The company is committed to considering candidates fairly and professionally in line with business

requirements and applicable employment practices. The ideal candidate will demonstrate integrity,

professionalism, accountability and the ability to contribute to the company's next phase of growth.