Perishable Business Development Supervisor - Cape Town

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 - Cape Town 

• 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)

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.