Business Development Executive – Montreal
Gillship Navigation is a leading Canadian NVOCC consolidator. Founded in 1981, we provide ocean freight consolidation services for import and export cargo, supported by a strong global network of agents and carrier partners.
We are seeking a motivated and results-driven Business Development Executive to grow our presence in the Montreal market. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious sales professional who enjoys building relationships, developing new business, and creating long-term customer partnerships.
The successful candidate will have a strong sales orientation and be comfortable developing relationships with freight forwarders and logistics professionals throughout the Montreal market. Fluent French and English communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.
This is a hybrid position.
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
About the Role
As a Business Development Executive, you will be responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, building relationships with freight forwarders, and growing your own customer portfolio.
A key part of the role will be getting out into the market, setting up meetings with freight forwarders, developing new business, building strong relationships, understanding their business needs, and positioning Gillship as a trusted NVOCC partner that can provide the right ocean freight solutions and exceptional service.
You will work closely with our operations and inside sales teams to provide customers with reliable shipping solutions and exceptional, personalized customer service.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage a pipeline of qualified sales opportunities.
- Prospect and establish relationships with international freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers.
- Set up and conduct in-person and virtual meetings with freight forwarders to understand their business and identify opportunities.
- Generate new business through phone calls, networking, referrals, industry events, and face-to-face meetings.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term customer relationships.
- Present Gillship’s ocean freight services and impeccable customer service as a competitive advantage.
- Qualify prospective customers and provide competitive pricing and service solutions.
- Develop and grow your own portfolio of profitable customers.
- Conduct regular client visits and maintain ongoing communication with existing customers.
- Work closely with operations and inside sales to ensure customer expectations are met and accounts are supported.
- Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking functions as a representative of Gillship Navigation.
- Maintain accurate sales activity records, forecasts, and reports.
- Consistently develop profitable new business opportunities throughout the Montreal market.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in freight forwarding, logistics, transportation, NVOCC services, sales, or business development is preferred.
- Fluent French and English, both written and verbal, is required.
- Strong relationship-building and customer service skills.
- Proven ability to develop new business and build a customer portfolio.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage a sales territory.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Comfortable with regular client meetings and local travel.
- Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary based on experience.
- Monthly commission program based on gross profit margin generated from active clients.
- Automobile allowance and reimbursement of approved business travel expenses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits package.
- Group RSP matching program.
- Ongoing career development and advancement opportunities.
- Opportunity to grow into increased responsibility, team leadership, and management as the business expands.
- Full support from experienced operations and inside sales teams.
If you are a motivated, confident sales professional who enjoys meeting people, building relationships, winning new business, and delivering an exceptional customer experience, we would love to hear from you.
Join Gillship Navigation and become part of a company that has been serving the international shipping community for over 40 years.
- To apply: jills@gillship.ca
