Business Development Manager

Job Description
Location:
Port of Tilbury London Ltd, Leslie Ford House

Job Title:
Business Development Manager

Location:
Port of Tilbury - field/hybrid working

Compensation:
Salary - up to £65,000 + bonus

Forth Ports is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future

About The Role
In this role, you will be responsible for generating new business opportunities and driving sustainable revenue growth within the FMCG key market. You will identify and pursue strategic opportunities, build and maintain strong client relationships, and contribute to expanding our market presence. By delivering tailored solutions that meet customer needs, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the continued success and competitiveness of our business.

Key Responsibilities
Lead Generation & Prospecting:

• Independently research and build a qualified pipeline of FMCG companies in need of logistics and warehousing solutions.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for inbound and outbound warehousing, fulfilment, distribution, and value-added services.

Business Development

• Leverage your existing FMCG network to identify and engage key decision-makers.
• Develop tailored value propositions that align with client requirements and showcase the strengths of the Tilbury 26a facility.
• Secure meetings, manage the sales cycle, and close new business opportunities.
• Work with the Asset Manager to define solution design and commercial proposition.

Market Intelligence

• Stay abreast of market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs within the FMCG and logistics sectors.
• Provide feedback to internal stakeholders to enhance service offerings and operational alignment.

Reporting, Forecasting & KPIs

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the CRM system.
• Deliver regular pipeline reports, forecasts, and performance metrics to the senior management team.
• Set and achieve monthly and quarterly targets for lead generation, meetings booked, and deals closed.

Developing And Implementing Strategies

• Creating business development plans, setting sales targets, and contributing to the overall business growth strategy.

Attending Events And Conferences

• Networking and representing the company at industry events.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for a commercially minded professional with a proven track record of delivering growth in the FMCG sector. You will have strong business development skills, excellent communication and relationship-building abilities, and the drive to exceed targets in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, demonstrating both initiative and resilience to achieve outstanding results.

This position is field-based with hybrid working arrangements, and the successful candidate will be expected to spend significant time engaging with clients and stakeholders in person, rather than being solely office-based.

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development, sales, or commercial roles within logistics, warehousing, or supply chain — specifically in the FMCG vertical.
• Demonstrated ability to generate and convert leads independently.
• A well-established and active network of FMCG contacts across manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
• Strong knowledge of warehousing operations and third-party logistics (3PL) services.
• Self-starter mentality with exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with warehouse automation.
• Understanding of port logistics.
• UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required.

What Forth Ports Can Offer You
At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy:

• A competitive salary
• Defined bonus
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• A defined pension scheme and life assurance
• Discretionary bonus
• Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family
• Cycle to work scheme and on-site free parking
• Attractive Family Friendly Policies
• Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK-wide restaurants, car rentals, and holidays
• GymFlex health club memberships

We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

How To Apply
If you are an experienced Business Development Manager and looking to continue your career as part of a forward-thinking and supportive team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the 'Apply Now' link.

Skills Needed
About The Company
Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries. Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.

Company Culture
Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London. A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don't just take our word for it; view the "Some of our People" section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they've grown with us, and what motivates them each day. The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.

Required Criteria

• Proven experience in business development or sales within the FMCG sector, with a strong track record of achieving and exceeding revenue targets
• Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain partnerships at all levels
• Commercially driven with strong market awareness, able to identify opportunities, develop strategies, and deliver sustainable growth
• Full right to work in the UK
• Full UK driving licence

Desired Criteria
Closing Date
Tuesday 4th November, 2025

Contract Type
fulltime

Salary
Up to £65,000.00 Yearly