Perishable Business Development Supervisor - Johannesburg

SUMMARY:
The Perishable Business Development Supervisor owns the commercial and operational strategy for the perishable logistics vertical across Johannesburg and Cape Town.

POSITION INFO:
Perishable Business Development Supervisor - Johannesburg Department: Perishables \/ Business Development Location: Johannesburg & Cape Town (Cross-regional responsibility) Employment Type: Full-time Salary \/ Remuneration: Up to R60 000 per month CTC (Capped base salary complemented by a highly lucrative commission structure) Role Summary The Perishable Business Development Supervisor owns the commercial and operational strategy for the perishable logistics vertical across Johannesburg and Cape Town. Reporting directly to executive leadership, this position is responsible for expanding market share in cold-chain\/airfreight operations, winning new medium-to-large client accounts, and managing sales pipelines. The role balances active field sales, client management, airline negotiations, and volume forecasting to achieve quarterly gross profit targets. Target Sourcing Profile & Ideal Sourcing Backgrounds To build a high-performing candidate pipeline, sourcing efforts will focus on professionals from the following talent pools: Direct Industry Competitors: Candidates currently operating within specialized perishables and airfreight logistics hubs (e.g., DSV, Grindrod, Morgan Cargo, PCA, AMI). Adjacent Operational Roles: High-performing Customer Service Agents, Controllers, or Key Account Managers in cold-chain logistics who manage active client portfolios and have the potential to transition existing business relationships. Exporter & Producer Sectors: Commercial, sales, or logistics coordinators from temperature-controlled export environments, including fresh produce (fruit & vegetables), floral, agricultural commodities, or high-value temperature-sensitive goods (confectionery, chocolates, cheeses, and dairy products). Key Responsibilities & Deliverables Commercial Strategy & Revenue Growth Develop and execute the commercial and operational strategy for the perishable logistics vertical. Drive new business acquisition and grow revenue across both new accounts and existing client portfolios. Target and secure a minimum of 10 new medium-to-large clients within the first 12 months, each generating approximately R250 000 or more in annual gross profit. Meet and exceed quarterly gross profit targets to leverage the lucrative commission structure. Deliver a structured plan for expanding market share across key perishable product categories in the airfreight sector. Sales Pipeline & Relationship Management Maintain a detailed sales pipeline, tracking prospecting efforts, sales cycle stages, and conversion ratios. Maintain a minimum conversion ratio of 25% from initial prospecting through to closed and won accounts. Spend significant time engaging clients and airlines directly in Cape Town and Johannesburg to negotiate commercial terms and build long-term partnerships. Work closely with clients on shipment volumes and seasonal forecasts to optimize capacity allocation and operational planning. Ensure all airfreight service offerings remain highly competitive in rate structure and transit efficiency. Requirements & Qualifications Education & Qualifications Mandatory: NQF Level 7 qualification (e.g., BCom in Sales & Marketing, BTech, or equivalent tertiary qualification). Advantageous: BCom in Transport & Logistics or Supply Chain Management. Experience Mandatory: 5 to 7 years of proven business development, commercial sales, or client account management experience. Industry Requirement: Background gained within supply chain, shipping, airfreight, cold-chain logistics, or temperature-controlled export sectors (fruit, veg, agri, or perishable goods). Proven track record of managing a sales pipeline, negotiating commercial terms with clients and carriers, and consistently achieving gross profit targets. Key Skills & Attributes Perishable Logistics Knowledge: Strong understanding of cold-chain supply chain requirements, airfreight operational dynamics, and temperature-controlled handling protocols. Structured Planner: Excellent organizational and project management skills to balance travel, pipeline management, and client touchpoints across Johannesburg and Cape Town. Commercial Drive & Integrity: High level of commitment, integrity, customer-centric focus, and strong relationship-building capabilities with clients and airline partners.