Senior Sales and Market Specialist - Ports, Marine and Heavy Lift Logistics

SUMMARY:
Senior Technical Sales and Market Development Specialist required for our Client to lead the development of their presence in the Western Cape Heavy Lift, Crane, Maritime and Ports and Abnormal Transport market.  Candidates require a minimum of 7 years' experience in technical sales, business development / project logistics with a well-established network in the heavy lifting sector, forwarding, freight and ports.

POSITION INFO:
This role will be responsible for driving new business opportunities, gaining market intelligence and to establish a sustainable Client presence in Cape Town and surrounding regions.

The ideal candidate will have strong connections in the freight forwarding, maritime and logistics industries, with an understanding of the port and industrial project environment.

This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in challenging markets and can combine commercial sales ability with strategic market insight.

Key Focus of the Role:

• In the first 2–3 months, the successful candidate will focus heavily on market intelligence gathering and strategic planning, including:
• Understanding industry and business opportunities in the Western Cape and City of Cape Town - Maritime, Port and Harbour, Sea freight, Logistics, Crane Rentals, Heavy lift and Transport solutions.
• Identifying key clients, freight forwarders, shipping lines and EPC contractors.
• Determining the optimal location for the Client’s yard in Cape Town.
• Assessing fleet and equipment requirements for the region.
• Recommending the appropriate team structure and operational footprint.
• Building a sustainable and profitable Cape Town operation.

• Develop and execute a business development strategy for the Western Cape region.
• Identify business opportunities in ports, marine, mining, renewable energy, construction, gas and petrochemical sectors.
• Establish relationships with freight forwarding companies, shipping lines and logistics operators.
• Secure projects requiring heavy lifting, crane rental, abnormal load transport and specialized logistics solutions.
• Provide technical lifting and transport solutions for complex projects.
• Develop and implement a Sales strategy for the Client’s Cape Town operations.
• Work closely with the Client’s operational teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Identify opportunities for long-term strategic partnerships within the logistics and port sectors.
• Must be able to build good interpersonal relationships and build a strong team within the yard.

• Minimum 7+ years’ experience in technical sales, business development or project logistics.
• Strong background in ports, maritime operations, heavy lifting or abnormal transport.
• Experience within freight forwarding or logistics networks is highly advantageous.
• Established relationships within shipping lines, freight forwarders and port operators.
• Proven ability to secure large industrial or infrastructure projects.
• Must be a born Salesperson.

• Strong understanding of the Cape Town logistics maritime and port environment.
• Strategic thinker with strong market analysis capabilities.
• Willingness to travel across Western Cape and Africa.
• Ability to operate independently and drive results in a highly competitive industry, excellent people skills, strong business acumen.

• Integrity and ethical.
• Commitment and driven.
• Disciplined and leadership abilities

• As soon as possible.
• Market-related package, depending on experience.
• Negotiable benefits will include a company vehicle, provident fund and medical aid.
• Basic salary and commission structure on sales will be negotiated.