Full job description

Alchemy is partnering with an established freight forwarding business seeking a General Manager / Head of Sales & Development to join their team in Basildon.


Reporting directly to the Group Chairman, this is a senior leadership opportunity for an entrepreneurial and commercially driven individual with a strong background in international freight forwarding. The successful candidate will play a key role in expanding the company’s commercial activities, developing customer relationships and strengthening its position across international freight markets.


Responsibilities
*Lead and develop the company’s sales and business development strategy, identifying opportunities to drive revenue growth and expand market presence.
*Identify and secure new business opportunities across European road freight, short sea services and deep-sea FCL/LCL freight forwarding.
*Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing customers, prospective clients and key industry stakeholders.
*Drive commercial growth through proactive business development, strategic account management and the development of new market opportunities.
*Leverage industry knowledge and established networks to identify opportunities for business expansion and increased market share.
*Lead, motivate and develop the commercial team, establishing clear objectives and driving a high-performance sales culture.
*Oversee and support operational activities, ensuring the effective delivery of freight forwarding services and a high level of customer satisfaction.
*Negotiate competitive rates and commercial agreements with shipping lines and road freight haulage providers.
*Work closely with the Group Chairman and wider management team to shape and implement the company’s longer-term growth strategy.
*Identify opportunities to improve commercial performance, service delivery and overall business development.


Requirements
*Extensive experience within the international freight forwarding industry, ideally combining operational and commercial expertise.
*A proven track record in freight forwarding sales, business development and revenue generation.
*Strong knowledge of European road freight, short sea shipping and deep-sea freight services, including FCL and LCL.
*Established industry relationships and the ability to develop new business opportunities across international freight markets.
*Demonstrable experience negotiating rates and commercial agreements with shipping lines and road freight haulage companies.
*Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify opportunities, develop strategic plans and deliver measurable business growth.
*Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate teams and drive performance.
*An entrepreneurial mindset, with a proactive and creative approach to identifying and pursuing new opportunities.
*Exceptional communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills.
*The ability to operate at a senior level, working closely with the Group Chairman and contributing to the wider strategic direction of the business.