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Business Development Executive – Shipping & Logistics

Skill-GAP Solutions Ltd

Nairobifull time~KES 80k – 150k/mo2d ago

Quick Take

The Role

Drive sales growth and expand the client portfolio by identifying new business opportunities, negotiating contracts, and managing relationships with shipping and logistics clients across Kenya.

You Need

Minimum 5 years of shipping/logistics sales experience, deep knowledge of Kenya's logistics market, and an established industry network to generate leads immediately.

You Get

Competitive salary (KES 80–150K/mo), strong career growth within a reputable sector, and high-impact role with senior management exposure in a target-driven environment.

Job Description

Role Overview

Our client, a reputable player in the shipping and logistics industry, is looking for a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Executive to spearhead sales growth and expand their client portfolio. This is a high-impact role suited for a self-motivated professional who thrives in a competitive, target-driven environment and understands the nuances of Kenya's freight forwarding and logistics landscape.

Reporting to senior management, you will be responsible for identifying new revenue streams, nurturing client relationships, and positioning the company as a preferred logistics partner. If you have a solid track record in logistics sales and a robust industry network, this opportunity offers strong career growth within a well-established sector.

Key Responsibilities
  • Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities across shipping, freight forwarding, transportation, and logistics services.
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with both existing and prospective clients.
  • Conduct ongoing market research to uncover customer needs, monitor competitor activities, and track emerging industry trends.
  • Develop and implement targeted sales and business development strategies designed to meet and exceed revenue targets.
  • Prepare and deliver compelling sales presentations, proposals, and competitive quotations tailored to client needs.
  • Negotiate contracts, pricing structures, and service level agreements with customers to drive profitable deals.
  • Collaborate closely with operations and customer service teams to ensure seamless service delivery and high customer satisfaction.
  • Represent the company at industry events, networking forums, and trade exhibitions to build brand visibility and generate leads.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all sales activities, client interactions, and pipeline opportunities in CRM systems.
  • Prepare regular sales reports, revenue forecasts, and performance updates for management review.
  • Champion excellent customer relationship management practices to drive long-term client retention and repeat business.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Must have a minimum of 5 years of demonstrable experience in business development, sales, or account management specifically within the shipping, freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain sector.
  • Must be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of Kenya's local logistics market, including key customer segments and operational dynamics.
  • Must be able to leverage an established network of industry clients and contacts to generate leads from day one.
  • Must be able to communicate persuasively and negotiate effectively at both operational and senior decision-maker levels.
  • Must be able to craft and deliver professional sales presentations and written proposals that convert prospects into clients.
  • Must be able to work independently, prioritize a high-volume pipeline, and consistently achieve sales targets with minimal supervision.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experienced with CRM platforms for pipeline tracking and reporting.
  • Must demonstrate strong analytical thinking for market intelligence gathering and competitive positioning.
  • A valid driving license is an added advantage for client visits and field sales activities.
Salary & Benefits

The salary for this role is competitive and aligned with industry standards for a senior sales professional in the Kenyan logistics sector. Based on market benchmarks, the estimated monthly compensation ranges from KES 80,000 to KES 150,000, inclusive of a base salary and performance-linked commission structure. Final compensation will be discussed during the interview process based on demonstrated experience and existing client portfolio.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for a seasoned logistics sales professional who has spent at least five years closing deals in shipping or freight forwarding, has an active book of clients, and is ready to take ownership of a business development function. You are proactive, commercially astute, and confident walking into a boardroom or a client site with equal ease.

Do NOT apply if you have fewer than 5 years of direct logistics or freight industry experience, have no verifiable track record of meeting sales targets, or are looking for a purely administrative or non-field-based role. General sales experience outside the logistics industry will not be considered.

How to Apply
  • Prepare an updated CV clearly highlighting your logistics/shipping sales experience, key accounts managed, and revenue targets achieved.
  • Write a brief cover letter (no more than one page) outlining why you are the right fit for this role and what value you bring.
  • Submit your application through the Skill-GAP Solutions Ltd official careers portal or the job platform where this listing appears.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening call followed by a formal interview.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of the deadline, consider your application unsuccessful for this cycle.

Requirements Breakdown

Must Have

  • Minimum 5 years of business development, sales, or account management experience in shipping, freight forwarding, or logistics
  • Deep understanding of Kenya's local logistics market, key customer segments, and operational dynamics
  • Established network of industry clients and contacts to generate leads from day one
  • Strong negotiation and persuasive communication skills at operational and senior decision-maker levels
  • Proven ability to work independently, manage high-volume pipeline, and consistently achieve sales targets

Nice to Have

  • Proficiency in CRM systems and sales reporting tools
  • Experience representing company at industry events and trade exhibitions
  • Track record of contract negotiation and SLA development
  • Knowledge of supply chain or customs clearance processes in East Africa

Don't meet every requirement? Tailor your CV to close the gap →

Salary Context

Competitive mid-to-senior level salary for Business Development Executive – Shipping & Logistics in Nairobi

The KES 80–150K range is competitive for a senior business development role in Kenya's logistics sector, reflecting the seniority (5+ years) and target-driven nature of the position. Logistics industry salaries are typically performance-linked, with actual pay varying based on commission structure, target achievement, and individual negotiation.

About Skill-GAP Solutions Ltd

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Skill-GAP Solutions Ltd is a staffing and business solutions firm operating in the Kenyan and East African market, partnering with reputable companies across sectors including logistics, shipping, and supply chain management. They specialise in placing high-calibre talent in growth-focused roles, and this shipping & logistics client is an established player with strong market presence. This is an opportunity to join a well-structured organization with clear reporting lines and management support for ambitious sales professionals.

Likely Interview Questions

  • 1

    Walk us through your most successful business development campaign in shipping or logistics—what was the revenue impact, and how did you identify the opportunity?

  • 2

    Tell us about your network in Kenya's logistics industry. Can you name 5–10 key contacts or customer segments you could approach immediately in this role?

  • 3

    How do you stay on top of market trends and competitor activity in the freight forwarding and logistics space, and how has that insight driven your sales strategy?

  • 4

    Describe a complex contract negotiation you led with a high-value logistics or shipping client. What was the outcome, and what was your negotiation strategy?

  • 5

    This role involves significant CRM work and regular reporting to senior management. Walk us through how you currently manage your pipeline, track metrics, and forecast revenue.

Application Tips

  • Quantify your sales achievements: Include specific revenue targets met, percentage growth in client portfolio, and deal sizes closed in previous logistics roles—this role is highly metrics-driven.

  • Emphasize your Kenya logistics network: Name key clients, industry associations, or contacts you've worked with; hiring managers want evidence you can generate leads from day one without a long ramp-up.

  • Highlight contract and negotiation wins: Logistics deals often involve complex pricing, SLAs, and service terms—showcase deals where you've structured profitable agreements or retained at-risk clients.

Career Path

Roles that lead here

Sales Executive – Shipping & Logistics
Account Manager – Freight Forwarding
Business Development Officer – Supply Chain
Logistics Sales Representative

Where this leads

Senior Business Development Manager – Logistics
Regional Sales Director – Shipping & Logistics
Business Unit Head – Freight Forwarding
Commercial Manager – Supply Chain Solutions

Skills & Keywords

business development executiveshipping and logistics jobsfreight forwarding saleslogistics jobs kenyasales executive nairobibusiness development jobs kenyasupply chain salesb2b sales kenya

Honest Assessment

Green Flags

  • Clear reporting line to senior management with high-impact responsibility—indicates strong accountability structure and visibility for career development.
  • Competitive salary range (KES 80–150K) is above entry-level and reflects 5+ years of seniority—good compensation for a mid-career role in Kenya's logistics sector.
  • Specific, detailed job description with clear KPIs (revenue targets, pipeline management, client retention)—shows the company has well-defined expectations and measurement systems.
  • Emphasis on existing network and industry knowledge—indicates the employer values expertise and will likely support professional development and industry engagement.

Watch Out

  • Job description cuts off mid-sentence ('Must be proficient in [incomplete]')—clarify what software/tools proficiency is required (likely CRM, Excel, etc.) before applying.
  • No mention of commission structure, performance bonus, or variable pay components despite target-driven language—confirm what percentage of the salary is variable and tied to achieving KPIs.
  • Limited information about company size, client base, and growth trajectory—research Skill-GAP Solutions Ltd and their logistics client independently to assess stability and growth potential.

A Day in the Life

☀️

Your week typically starts with a sales pipeline review and CRM update, followed by 2–3 client meetings (either in-person at their offices or via video call) to discuss new freight forwarding, transportation, or warehousing needs. Mid-week, you're preparing a tailored proposal or quotation for a prospect discovered via market research or your network, and liaising with the operations team to ensure your pricing and service terms are competitive and deliverable. You attend an industry networking event or trade exhibition on Thursday, collect leads, and follow up with prospects on Friday—closing the week by updating forecasts and preparing a sales report for your manager highlighting pipeline progress, revenue trajectory, and next week's priority accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a Business Development Executive – Shipping & Logistics at Skill-GAP Solutions Ltd?

You must have a minimum of 5 years of demonstrable experience in business development, sales, or account management within shipping, freight forwarding, or logistics. You also need deep knowledge of Kenya's logistics market, an established network of industry contacts, and strong negotiation and presentation skills.

Is the Business Development Executive – Shipping & Logistics role at Skill-GAP Solutions Ltd remote?

The job posting lists the location as Nairobi with no mention of remote work flexibility. The role involves regular client meetings, industry events, and networking—it is likely office-based or hybrid, but confirm with the recruiter during the application process.

How much does a Business Development Executive – Shipping & Logistics earn at Skill-GAP Solutions Ltd?

The posted salary range is KES 80,000–150,000 per month, which is competitive for a mid-to-senior business development role in Kenya's logistics sector. Actual pay will depend on experience, negotiation, and likely includes a performance-linked or commission component.

What are the career growth opportunities for this role?

The job description emphasizes reporting to senior management and high-impact responsibility, suggesting a clear path to Senior Business Development Manager, Regional Sales Director, or Business Unit Head roles within the logistics sector. Strong performance on revenue targets and client retention typically unlocks advancement quickly.

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