Business Development Manager (General Cargo)

About the Role

We are looking for a proactive, customer-focused Business Development Manager (General Cargo) to join our 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 the Port's wider commercial strategy. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role with real impact in shaping the future of our general cargo operations.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy building strong partnerships, and want to contribute to the growth of a key strategic business area, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

Customer Relationship Management

• Manage daily interactions with general cargo customers, ensuring high levels of service and timely responses.
• Support customer onboarding and align operational requirements across internal teams.
• Maintain regular customer engagement to identify service improvements and upsell opportunities.
• Prepare and maintain account management plans for leading names in the logistics, construction, agri bulk or infrastructure sectors under direction of the Head of Business Development.

Business Development Support

• Identify and qualify new commercial leads through networking, market insight, and industry engagement.
• Preparation of commercial proposals, tenders, and customer presentations.
• Gather operational and financial data to support business cases and forecasting.
• Contribute to sales pipeline updates and support negotiations by coordinating key inputs.

Operational Coordination & Service Delivery

• Work closely with Operations, Finance, Engineering and other teams to ensure customer expectations are met.
• 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.

Market Awareness & Promotion

• Attend industry and trade events, ensuring leads are captured and followed up.
• Gather and share market intelligence on competitors, cargo flows and emerging opportunities.

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate CRM records and prepare routine reports on market activity, customer performance, and events.
• Assist in developing internal and external presentations and documents.
• Ensure compliance with relevant quality, safety, security and sustainability standards.

Team & Cross-Functional Support

• Support commercial project delivery by coordinating tasks and monitoring progress.
• Contribute to discussions on improving service quality and operational efficiency.
• Support strategic initiatives led by the Head of Business Development.

What We're Looking For

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience in account management or business development within a commercial environment.
• Previous background within construction, infrastructure, agri bulk or project cargoes (desirable)
• Experience 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 and use of own vehicle

Management & Commercial Skills

• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Passion for growth, innovation and developing new supply chain solutions.
• Confident public speaker and effective external representative.
• Strong analytical