Imperative Logistics - Director, Business Development - Global Freight Forwarding - WI

COMPANY INFORMATION

Imperative Logistics is a trusted industry leader in global forwarding solutions with a focus on Technology, Healthcare, Energy, Aerospace, and Chemicals.

Our dedicated team provides exceptional customer service while optimizing supply chains with flexible, shortened transit times and efficient operations. Imperative goes far and wide – anywhere in the world – turning some of the most difficult issues into manageable solutions, enabling our customers to stay at the forefront of their industries.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY 

As a Director of Business Development, you will drive revenue growth by identifying and securing new business opportunities, cultivating long-term strategic relationships, and delivering tailored, global logistics solutions. This is a high-impact, individual contributor role—ideal for a global freight forwarding professional with a hunter mentality, deep industry knowledge, and the ability to think strategically while executing with precision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead New Business Development: Expand Imperative Logistics market presence across assigned territories and verticals.
• Hunter Sales Execution: Generate new pipeline through outbound outreach, referrals, and network activation.
• Strategic Relationship Building: Cultivate long-term relationships with key decision-makers at prospective and existing client organizations.
• Lead Management: Engage with sales leads from the Corporate Sales Office and global partners, ensuring timely follow-up and conversion.
• Client Engagement: Conduct in-person and virtual meetings, including travel within assigned regions, to present Imperative Logistics value proposition.
• Solution Selling: Deliver compelling, client-focused presentations that showcase our logistics capabilities and service advantages.
• Client Onboarding: Oversee onboarding and implementation of new clients, including SOP development and pricing strategy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with operations and account management to ensure service excellence and long-term satisfaction.
• CRM Discipline: Maintain accurate records of pipeline activity, customer interactions, and sales progress.
• Market Intelligence: Research and qualify leads using industry events, directories, digital tools, and referrals.
• Brand Representation: Represent Imperative Logistics at industry events, conferences, and client meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS/ REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 5 years of Sales and Business Development experience in international shipping, freight forwarding, import export sales (air/ocean, import/export, customs brokerage).
• Experience with a key vertical: Healthcare, Biotech, Life Sciences, Aerospace, Advanced Manufacturing, Technology, Specialty Automotive, or Specialty Chemicals.
• Proven success in managing a sales territory and closing new business.
• Strong understanding of global transportation, pricing models, and logistics operations.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot, ZoomInfo) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience managing long sales cycles, RFPs, and multi-year agreements.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Must reside in the territory and be available for in-person meetings as needed.

COMPENSATION

$60000-$120000, annually we consider a variety of factors in determining base compensation including but not limited to, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, market data and geography.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The position is in an indoor, office environment, requires the ability to communicate with internal and external customers or vendors verbally and in writing, sit for periods of time, operate typical office equipment which requires seeing and the use of a keyboard.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• 401k + matching contribution

• HSA + matching contribution

• Paid Time Off

• Life Insurance

• Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance

• ...and more!

Imperative Logistics Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.