Sales Manager - Freight Forwarding - India Trade Lane and Global Markets

Sales Manager - Freight Forwarding

Sales Manager - Freight Forwarding - India Trade Lane and Global Markets Location: Chicago/Hybrid Salary: $80k to $120k Excellent benefits 5+ years of experience in sales and business development in freight forwarding Proven experience in handling the India trade lane and strong knowledge of global freight markets.

The client is a leader in shipping and logistics, operating for over 30 years. Founded in 1994 in India and acquired in 2018, the company has significantly expanded, growing multiple times its original size and establishing a strong global presence. We specialize in freight forwarding, logistics, and supply chain solutions, serving customers worldwide.

Headquartered in India

Global Presence: 7 countries – USA (Chicago), UK, Germany, Turkey, Singapore, Thailand, Japan

Workforce: 1000+ employees worldwide

Annual US Revenue: Approx. $100 million

Role Overview:

We seek an experienced and results-driven General Manager – Sales to lead our business development activities in Chicago, USA. This role is critical in expanding our market presence, strengthening relationships with existing customers, and driving new business development, mainly focusing more on the India trade lane.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Sales Growth

Develop and execute sales strategies to grow revenue and expand market share in the U.S.

Identify and acquire new direct customers, ensuring a strong pipeline of opportunities.

Drive individual sales and exceed revenue targets.

Identify and develop Small / Mid-size agents in the US to drive the India lane.

Client & Partner Relationship Management

Strengthen relationships with our existing customers in the US to maximize business retention and growth.

Build and maintain strong relationships with agent partners to enhance network strength.

Serve as the primary point of contact for key clients, ensuring high levels of service satisfaction.

Market & Trade Lane Development

Develop all trade lanes, with a strong focus on the India-U.S. trade lane.

Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competition to develop tailored solutions.

Sales Team Leadership & Expansion

Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing sales team in key locations across the USA.

Provide mentorship and coaching to ensure the team meets and exceeds targets.

Develop sales structures and incentive programs to drive performance.

Strategic Planning & Execution

Collaborate with senior management to align sales strategies with overall company objectives.

Work closely with operational teams to ensure seamless execution of logistics services.

Monitor sales performance and provide regular reports to management.

Required Skills & Experience:

5+ years of experience in sales, business development in freight forwarding.

Proven experience in handling the India trade lane and strong knowledge of global freight markets.

Track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets.

Exceptional negotiation and relationship management skills with direct customers and with agents.

Ability to work independently and develop long-term business strategies.

Strong understanding of freight rates, trade regulations, and logistics solutions.