Business Development Manager

Role overview

Nippon Express UK is expanding its sales organisation during a period of strong growth and is hiring an experienced Business Development Manager to support that momentum. The position sits within the global Nippon Express Group, based in Tokyo, which operates across more than 50 countries and employs over 73,000 people worldwide. The business provides air, ocean, road freight, warehousing, and supply chain services.

This is a field-based commercial role focused on generating new business across the company’s full logistics offering. The territory covers London and the South of England, and the role involves working with both SME and multinational customers, including senior decision-makers and procurement teams.

What you will do

You will spend most of your time in the market spotting opportunities, building relationships, and turning prospects into clients. The role spans the full sales cycle, from first contact and pipeline creation through to deal closure and customer onboarding. A key part of the job is helping grow revenue while also strengthening long-term client relationships and the brand presence in your region.

Business development and sales

• Develop new opportunities across air and ocean freight markets.
• Create and maintain a healthy sales pipeline through outreach, networking, and lead generation.
• Meet and exceed revenue and sales targets.
• Prepare persuasive presentations and proposals for prospective customers.
• Lead pricing, contract, and service-agreement negotiations.

Client relationship management

• Build durable relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary contact for major accounts.
• Assess customer supply chain needs and recommend tailored logistics solutions.
• Maintain strong customer satisfaction and retention levels.

Market intelligence and strategy

• Track market movements, competitor activity, and wider trends in air and ocean freight.
• Identify new trade routes, sectors, and growth opportunities.
• Contribute to sales planning and wider business strategy.
• Share market insight and feedback with senior leadership.

Internal coordination

• Partner with operations, pricing, and customer service teams to deliver smooth service.
• Work with international offices and partners to shape competitive solutions.
• Support new-business implementation and ensure a seamless handover to delivery teams.

Pricing and solution development

• Work alongside pricing specialists to build competitive freight offers.
• Prepare quotations, tenders, and RFQs/RFPs.
• Ensure proposed solutions balance customer needs with profitability.

Reporting and CRM

• Use Salesforce to monitor sales activity and pipeline progress.
• Keep accurate records of client contacts, opportunities, and forecasts.
• Produce regular sales performance and pipeline reports for management.

Networking and representation

• Represent the company at events, trade shows, and networking sessions.
• Develop relationships with carriers, agents, and other partners.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and wider benefits package.
• Monthly car allowance.
• Opportunities to grow within a fast-moving global business.
• A collaborative and encouraging workplace culture.
• Exposure to international markets and logistics networks.
• Life assurance at 4 times salary.
• Private healthcare and employee assistance programme support.
• 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays.
• Free parking at all company sites.