Senior Manager / Manager – Business Development (Trade & Logistics)

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Client Type: International Infrastructure & Urban Development Entity

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Our client is spearheading the development of a world-class international business and financial hub. We are seeking a results-driven, commercially focused Senior Manager / Manager – Business Development (Trade & Logistics) to drive business growth within the logistics and supply chain sectors.

The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying new opportunities, acquiring key international clients, and expanding the development's logistics portfolio. This role requires a professional with a deep understanding of freight, warehousing, and distribution, combined with the ability to lead high-value negotiations and mentor a growing team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Market Positioning

Value Proposition: Define and refine marketable sub-sector propositions for the international business district, ensuring alignment with global and regional logistics trends.
Strategic Planning: Develop and implement industry-specific strategies to penetrate international markets, including lead generation through global roadshows and industry events.
Market Trends: Stay ahead of logistics innovations (e.g., green logistics, automated warehousing) to ensure the jurisdiction remains a preferred destination for global supply chain entities.

Business Development & Sales Execution

Client Acquisition: Proactively identify and acquire key international clients across the logistics, freight forwarding, and distribution value chain.
High-Value Deals: Drive the full sales lifecycle—from initial outreach to closing high-value investment deals and service agreements.
Pipeline Management: Build and manage a robust sales pipeline, ensuring consistent progress toward revenue and space-uptake targets.

Relationship & Investment Facilitation

Strategic Partnerships: Leverage existing networks to build relationships with local and foreign entities, port authorities, and global trade bodies.
Consultative Solutions: Collaborate with operations and technical teams to deliver customized, solution-oriented proposals for prospective investors.
End-to-End Engagement: Guide investors through the entire setup process, providing proactive solutions for regulatory, tax, and operational concerns.

Leadership & Team Management

Mentorship: Lead and mentor junior business development team members, fostering a high-performance and results-oriented culture.
Reporting: Develop and present business development strategies, promotional plans, and pipeline updates to senior leadership.

Experience & Qualifications

Experience: 10+ years of professional experience in the Trade & Logistics sector, specifically in strategy, business development, or consulting.
Domain Expertise: Strong knowledge of freight, warehousing, distribution, and global supply chain management.
Financial Acumen: Work exposure to corporate finance, with a sound understanding of tax, regulatory, and legal environments affecting international trade.
Education: A relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.

Key Competencies

Commercial Drive: A proven track record of achieving revenue targets and closing high-stakes commercial deals.
Negotiation: Exceptional ability to lead complex negotiations and manage multifaceted stakeholder interests.
Communication: Excellent presentation skills with the ability to influence C-suite decision-makers of multinational corporations.
Mobility: Willingness and ability to travel internationally for roadshows and client meetings.

Senior Manager / Manager – Business Dev...