Sales Manager - Freight Forwarding

Sorry, Visa / sponsorship not available.
Sales Manager Freight Forwarding (India Trade Lane & Global Markets)
Location: Chicago / Hybrid

Salary Range: $80,000 $120,000 + Excellent Benefits

We are hiring a Sales Manager with deep experience in freight forwarding sales, a strong background in India trade lane development, and a broad understanding of global freight markets.

This opportunity is with a leading shipping and logistics company founded in India in 1994 and acquired in 2018. The organization has since expanded rapidly and now operates globally across 7 countries.

Company Overview:

•   Headquartered in India

•   Global presence: USA (Chicago), UK, Germany, Turkey, Singapore, Thailand, Japan

•   1,000+ employees worldwide

•   Approx. $100 million in annual U.S. revenue

•   30+ years in freight forwarding, logistics, and supply chain services

Role Overview:
As the General Manager Sales, you will lead U.S. sales and business development initiatives, with a focus on expanding the India-U.S. trade lane. You will also manage a small team in Chicago and contribute to broader trade lane development and client engagement efforts nationwide.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Sales Growth

•   Develop and implement sales strategies to expand revenue and market share in the U.S.

•   Identify and acquire new direct customers

•   Drive individual sales efforts to meet/exceed targets

•   Develop and manage relationships with small/mid-sized U.S. agents to support India lane

Client & Partner Relationship Management

•   Strengthen relationships with current U.S. customers

•   Maintain and grow agent network partnerships

•   Act as the key point of contact for high-value clients

Market & Trade Lane Development

•   Lead initiatives to grow all trade lanes with strong emphasis on India-U.S.

•   Analyze market trends, client needs, and competitive insights

•   Develop tailored logistics and supply chain solutions

Sales Team Leadership

•   Build, train, and lead a high-performing sales team across key U.S. locations

•   Provide mentorship, coaching, and accountability

•   Establish sales incentives and performance metrics

Strategic Planning & Execution

•   Collaborate with executive leadership on national sales strategy

•   Partner with operations to ensure service excellence

•   Report on sales performance and market development

Qualifications:

•   5+ years in sales or business development within freight forwarding

•   Demonstrated experience developing the India trade lane

•   Strong understanding of global freight markets and trade regulations

•   Proven ability to meet/exceed sales goals

•   Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills

•   Experience working with both direct customers and agent partners

•   Self-starter with long-term vision and strategic execution abilities