Freight Forwarding Sales Executive

Why Seaboard

Seaboard Group, established in 1979 as a stevedoring company, has expanded its operations over four decades to include a wide range of industries. These include container and bulk terminal operations, vessel maintenance, ship agency services, freight forwarding, mining, real estate development, and venture capital. The company is also involved in agricultural consultancy, animal feed farming, and food security initiatives. With its diverse portfolio and global footprint, Seaboard Group is a dynamic organisation committed to innovation and excellence.

Role Summary

The Sales Executive Air & Ocean Freight is responsible for driving immediate and sustainable revenue growth across FCL, LCL, and Air Freight services within the UAE/GCC, with global reach. The role focuses on acquiring new clients, transferring an active book of business, and delivering measurable volume, revenue, and gross profit contributions from the first quarter.

The position requires strong commercial acumen, established carrier relationships with both shipping lines and airlines, and in-depth knowledge of UAE ports, aviation operations, customs, and free zone procedures. The successful candidate will contribute directly to branch P&L through disciplined rate negotiation, margin management, and strategic market expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Manage Book of Business (BOB), ensuring continuous growth in volume, revenue, and

margin.

Work within the CRM system to properly manage the personal pipeline and record

activities forming the basis of the Field Sales Incentive Scheme.

Identify prospective accounts and qualifying accounts according to monthly targets.

Generate at least 5 qualified leads per month.

Promote self-development and enhance market and competitor knowledge to remain aware of market trends and pricing.

Commercial Growth & Portfolio Expansion

Bring an existing portfolio of active freight clients within the UAE and globally.

Achieve monthly volume, revenue, and GP targets.

Develop new business across UAE/GCC and establish global trade lanes.

Coordinate with overseas agents and shipping lines to provide competitive solutions.

Identify sector opportunities: FMCG, Retail, Construction, Automotive, and Project Cargo.

Convert RFQs into profitable business through structured follow-up, pricing, and solution selling.

Trade Lane & Product Development

Manage assigned freight corridors (import/export) and transit flows.

Monitor capacity, pricing trends, and competitor strategies.

Coordinate with pricing and capacity teams to secure competitive space allocations.

Promote time-sensitive, express, consolidation, and charter solutions, and establish strong relationships with all UAE-based charter operators.

Client & Financial Accountability

Maintain strong relationships with decision-makers.

Ensure timely collections in line with UAE commercial practices.

Manage margins through strategic pricing and cost control.

The ideal candidate will be accountable for Volume (Kg); Revenue (USD); Gross Profit (GP) and Number of TEUs/CBM.

Compliance & Market Knowledge

Ensure adherence to UAE/GCC aviation regulations and customs procedures.

Stay informed on Incoterms, new policies, and regulatory changes.

Candidate Profile

Minimum 25 years of freight sales experience within UAE/GCC.

Demonstrable active client portfolio.

Proven track record of delivering consistent revenue and GP.

Active network of freight buyers, importers, and exporters in UAE/GCC.

Strong negotiation skills with carriers.

Ability to bring a transferable book of business is highly preferred.

Strong relationships with airlines, GSAs, charter operators, and freight buyers.

Excellent commercial negotiation skills.

Ideal Candidate Will Offer

Immediate business pipeline.

Strong network across UAE and global freight buyers.

Experience handling high-volume or high-value shipments.

Ability to independently develop and close opportunities.

Seaboard is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of working. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.