Business Development Manager

Job Title: Business Development Manager Location: Dover Role: Full time - 37.5hrs per week Monday – Friday Salary: IRO £52K pa Benefits include: * 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata) * Generous contributory pension scheme * Discretionary annual bonus scheme * Private Health Care and Life assurance * Employee assistance programme * 3rd party discounts, Cycle to work scheme, Benefits and reward platform * Free Parking - Employee volunteering scheme Our client is seeking a proactive, customer-focused Business Development Manager (General Cargo) to join the growing Commercial team. This is an exciting, commercial role that supports the development of general cargo services and helps drive new business opportunities across the sector. You will manage day-to-day relationships with customers, generate new leads, commercial proposals, and help deliver wider commercial strategy. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role with real impact in shaping the future of the general cargo operations. Business Development Manager – the role * Manage daily interactions with general cargo customers, ensuring high levels of service and timely responses. * Maintain regular customer engagement to identify service improvements and upsell opportunities. * Produce and maintain account management plans with guidance from the Head of Business Development. * Identify and qualify new commercial leads through networking, market insight, and industry engagement. * Support the preparation of proposals, tenders, and customer presentations * 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 emerging opportunities. * Maintain accurate CRM records and prepare routine reports on market activity, customer performance, and events. * Assist in developing internal and external presentations and documents. Business Development Manager – Skills and experience * Experience in account management or business development within a commercial environment. * Background in logistics, supply chain or ports (desirable). * Strong customer relationship management skills across multiple accounts * Understanding of supply chain operations and basic financial principles * Competent user of Microsoft Office * Full UK driving licence required