Business Development Manager (BDM)

Business Development Manager

Finished Vehicle Logistics and Car Carrying

Auto Freight Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to win and grow commercial accounts in the Australian finished vehicle logistics market. You'll understand how passenger vehicles move through the supply chain – from manufacturer or port through compounds, transport networks, dealerships and fleet customers – and will be credible with OEM, importer and automotive logistics decision-makers.

This is a specialist commercial role. Candidates with direct experience in car carrying, finished vehicle logistics, or passenger vehicle manufacturer/importer supply chains will be at a strong advantage. Candidates with strong B2B logistics, freight, or supply-chain sales experience who can demonstrate genuinely transferable commercial capability are also encouraged to apply.

The role

Reporting to senior management, you will identify, qualify and convert new business opportunities across car carrying and finished vehicle logistics. You will also strengthen existing strategic accounts and work closely with operations, fleet and compliance teams to ensure that every proposed service can be delivered safely, efficiently and profitably.

• Develop new business with passenger vehicle manufacturers, OEMs, importers, distributors, dealer groups, fleet and rental organisations, vehicle auction businesses and other buyers of finished vehicle logistics services.

• Build and maintain a disciplined opportunity pipeline, account plans, contact strategy and sales forecast.

• Lead customer discovery and translate vehicle volumes, lanes, delivery windows, vehicle-care standards and service expectations into workable transport solutions.

• Prepare and present proposals, pricing submissions, tenders, RFQs, RFTs and capability statements. Negotiate rates, service levels and commercial terms within delegated authority and agreed margin requirements.

• Monitor competitor activity, procurement cycles, model launches and changes in the Australian passenger vehicle supply chain.

• Maintain accurate CRM, pipeline, activity and customer records.

• Represent Auto Freight professionally in customer meetings, site visits, industry forums and commercial negotiations.

Ideal experience

The successful candidate will most likely have a background in one of the following pathways, or a closely related one:

Car carrying pathway: successful business development, sales or account management experience with a car carrying or finished vehicle transport company, including direct responsibility for winning, retaining or expanding customer accounts.

Passenger vehicle manufacturer pathway: commercial, logistics, distribution, supply chain, sales or procurement experience with a passenger motor vehicle manufacturer, OEM or vehicle importer, with direct exposure to finished vehicle transport and carrier management.

Candidates with strong commercial or business development experience in adjacent B2B logistics, freight or supply-chain sales – and a genuine interest in moving into the automotive sector – are also welcome to apply and will be assessed on transferable skills.

You'll also need:

• Practical knowledge of, or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn, finished vehicle logistics – including vehicle handling, transport flows, compounds, dealership delivery requirements and service performance expectations.

• Established relationships or a demonstrated ability to engage decision-makers within passenger vehicle OEM, importer, distributor or finished vehicle logistics organisations.

• A proven record of developing opportunities, preparing commercial submissions and converting business in a business-to-business environment.

• Commercial capability in pricing, margins, contract terms, service levels and sustainable account growth.

• The ability to work credibly with transport operations and understand the capacity and service implications of a sales commitment.

• Strong written and verbal communication, tender preparation, presentation, negotiation and relationship-management skills.

• A sound understanding of safety, Chain of Responsibility and heavy vehicle compliance obligations relevant to transport sales and customer commitments (or a willingness to build this quickly).

• A current Australian driver licence and the ability to travel for customer meetings and industry activities as required.

What success looks like

New accounts and expanded customer relationships that meet Auto Freight's service, capacity and margin requirements.

Commercial commitments that operations can implement safely, reliably and sustainably.

Strong, trusted relationships with OEM, importer, distributor and automotive logistics stakeholders.

Why join Auto Freight

Auto Freight is an established Australian automotive transport business serving leading OEM and automotive industry customers. Our modern fleet, professional drivers, experienced operational team and strong focus on vehicle care, compliance and customer service provide a solid platform for growth.

How to apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter that addresses your relevant background against the experience above. To assist our initial assessment, please include:

• the car carrying, finished vehicle logistics, passenger vehicle OEM/importer, or related B2B logistics/freight organisations you have worked with;

• your role in winning, managing or procuring transport or logistics services; and

• one example of a relevant commercial account, tender or logistics solution you developed, including your personal contribution and the outcome.

Apply now to join Auto Freight Pty Ltd and help grow our finished vehicle logistics business.

Auto Freight Pty Ltd is an equal opportunity employer committed to a safe, professional and inclusive workplace.

Pay: $100,000.00 – $154,579.91 per year

Benefits:

• Profit sharing
• Salary packaging

Experience:

• Car Carrying/Transport/ OEM Vehicle Logistics: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person