Company Overview

A leading global logistics and supply chain solutions company with operations across the world and Africa is seeking to recruit a dynamic and results-driven professional to join its team as an Agricultural Freight Commercial Manager based at its Lusaka Office.

With an established presence in Zambia and a strong network of offices across the continent, the company provides integrated logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain solutions to a diverse range of industries. Leveraging extensive experience in handling bulk commodities, agricultural products, and specialized freight, the company supports both regional and international trade through efficient and innovative logistics services.

Job Purpose

The Agricultural Freight Commercial Manager will be responsible for driving commercial growth through strategic business development, market intelligence, and strong client relationship management within the agricultural commodities sector. The role focuses on developing logistics and freight opportunities for commodities such as tobacco, maize grain, and other agricultural products, serving both local and international markets.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy and Branch Growth

• Remain constantly up to date with Group product knowledge and logistics solutions.
• Initiate and implement strategic planning initiatives for the Lusaka Branch.
• Manage and drive the commercial performance of the branch.
• Ensure the branch achieves monthly operational capacity and revenue targets.
• Work closely with the Managing Director and Regional Vertical Heads to meet overall Group objectives.
• Develop and maintain market intelligence within the agricultural commodities sector.
• Promote new services and strengthen existing client relationships.
• Collaborate with internal divisions to meet client logistics and supply chain needs.
• Conduct background research on potential clients and market opportunities.

Business Development

• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the agricultural commodities logistics sector.
• Prospect for potential clients and convert opportunities into increased business.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of clients through networking and industry engagement.
• Identify decision-makers within target organizations and develop professional relationships.
• Arrange meetings between prospective clients and company leadership where necessary.
• Prepare tailored proposals and logistics solutions that address client needs and objectives.
• Participate in pricing strategies and commercial negotiations.
• Address client concerns and negotiate agreements that result in successful partnerships.
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and agricultural conferences to promote the company’s services.
• Monitor market trends and provide insights to senior management on emerging opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to expand services that will increase revenue and market share.
• Analyse competitors and develop strategies to strengthen the company’s market position.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients to ensure retention and growth.
• Maintain regular engagement with exporters, producers, traders, and international buyers.
• Represent the company professionally in all client engagements.
• Ensure service delivery consistently meets client expectations.

Management and Reporting

• Submit accurate monthly commercial progress reports.
• Forecast sales targets and ensure they are achieved.
• Track business development activities and ensure deals progress to closure.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure operational requirements such as vendor registration, prequalification, and compliance processes are completed.
• Develop a strong understanding of the company’s operational capabilities and resources.
• Align all commercial activities with the company’s strategic goals.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure commercial and operational objectives are achieved.

Education, Skills and Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Marketing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in business development, sales, or commercial management within logistics, freight forwarding, or agricultural commodity trading.
• Experience working with agricultural commodities such as tobacco, maize grain, or similar products will be an added advantage.
• Experience dealing with local and international clients within commodity supply chains.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong networking and relationship management skills
• Excellent negotiation and persuasion abilities
• Proven business development and prospecting skills
• Sales planning and territory management
• Ability to identify customer needs and market opportunities
• Knowledge of logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain operations
• Strong market intelligence and analytical capabilities
• Ability to meet and exceed sales targets
• Professional communication and presentation skills
• Proficiency in CRM systems and reporting tools
• Knowledge of regional and international agricultural trade markets

• Remain constantly up to date with Group product knowledge and logistics solutions.
• Initiate and implement strategic planning initiatives for the Lusaka Branch.
• Manage and drive the commercial performance of the branch.
• Ensure the branch achieves monthly operational capacity and revenue targets.
• Work closely with the Managing Director and Regional Vertical Heads to meet overall Group objectives.
• Develop and maintain market intelligence within the agricultural commodities sector.
• Promote new services and strengthen existing client relationships.
• Collaborate with internal divisions to meet client logistics and supply chain needs.
• Conduct background research on potential clients and market opportunities.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the agricultural commodities logistics sector.
• Prospect for potential clients and convert opportunities into increased business.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of clients through networking and industry engagement.
• Identify decision-makers within target organizations and develop professional relationships.
• Arrange meetings between prospective clients and company leadership where necessary.
• Prepare tailored proposals and logistics solutions that address client needs and objectives.
• Participate in pricing strategies and commercial negotiations.
• Address client concerns and negotiate agreements that result in successful partnerships.
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and agricultural conferences to promote the company’s services.
• Monitor market trends and provide insights to senior management on emerging opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to expand services that will increase revenue and market share.
• Analyse competitors and develop strategies to strengthen the company’s market position.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients to ensure retention and growth.
• Maintain regular engagement with exporters, producers, traders, and international buyers.
• Represent the company professionally in all client engagements.
• Ensure service delivery consistently meets client expectations.
• Submit accurate monthly commercial progress reports.
• Forecast sales targets and ensure they are achieved.
• Track business development activities and ensure deals progress to closure.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure operational requirements such as vendor registration, prequalification, and compliance processes are completed.
• Develop a strong understanding of the company’s operational capabilities and resources.
• Align all commercial activities with the company’s strategic goals.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure commercial and operational objectives are achieved.

• Strong networking and relationship management skills
• Excellent negotiation and persuasion abilities
• Proven business development and prospecting skills
• Sales planning and territory management
• Ability to identify customer needs and market opportunities
• Knowledge of logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain operations
• Strong market intelligence and analytical capabilities
• Ability to meet and exceed sales targets
• Professional communication and presentation skills
• Proficiency in CRM systems and reporting tools
• Knowledge of regional and international agricultural trade markets

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Marketing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in business development, sales, or commercial management within logistics, freight forwarding, or agricultural commodity trading.
• Experience working with agricultural commodities such as tobacco, maize grain, or similar products will be an added advantage.
• Experience dealing with local and international clients within commodity supply chains.