Commercial Executive

About the Company:We are a leading provider of global project logistics services, with an extensive network of over 30 offices in more than 20 countries. With over 35 years of experience, we specialise in delivering complex, large-scale logistics solutions for a diverse range of industries, helping our clients tackle their most challenging supply chain needs.

Our team has successfully managed some of the most intricate logistics projects worldwide, including significant oil and gas ventures in Azerbaijan, large mining operations in Western Australia, critical energy projects across Europe, and even infrastructure work in Antarctica.

Role Overview:We are looking for an experienced and driven UK-based Commercial Executive with a background in pricing and logistics, particularly within the project logistics sector. In this key role, you will be integral to preparing and executing RFQs, tenders, and proposals. You will collaborate closely with senior team members and clients to drive business success. The position requires excellent organisational abilities, strong communication skills, and the capacity to analyse complex logistics plans and present them in clear, persuasive proposals.

This role will be part of the UK commercial team, supporting the growth of the business. Reporting directly to the UK General Manager, you will be responsible for managing all aspects related to quotations and tender responses. You will compile rates, conduct market research, assist in reviewing pricing strategies, and develop and maintain relationships with both suppliers and clients. Occasionally, you will also manage job files.

This position is based in our UK offices in Paddock Wood, Kent, or Sevenoaks, Kent, and plays a critical role in supporting the company’s UK business expansion.

Key Responsibilities:

General:

• Take the lead in gathering pricing and managing quotations from both vendors and clients (internally and externally).
• Negotiate rates to improve profitability for current and upcoming projects.
• Coordinate with clients and suppliers to collect and distribute relevant information, including operational procedures and details.
• Assist in the creation of technical documents and marketing materials, such as presentations, route surveys, and method statements.
• Respond to ITTs (Invitations to Tender) and RFIs (Requests for Information).
• Attend meetings (internal and external) to gather detailed client requirements.
• Manage the entire RFQ process, ensuring timely submission from start to finish.
• Provide commercial support to various UK-based offices as needed.

Pipeline Management:

• Effectively manage and prioritise multiple tasks to meet deadlines for upcoming projects.
• Collaborate with Sales, Business Development, and other stakeholders to identify winning strategies and analyse the competitive landscape.
• Report back to senior management with insights and recommendations to improve bid success rates.
• Contribute to the creation of bespoke commercial materials that enhance our value proposition.
• Occasionally manage and oversee job files, when required.

Proposals:

• Assist in sourcing and consolidating pricing information from global vendors and offices.
• Contribute to refining bid processes and commercial strategies.
• Help develop the framework for bids, including bid/no-bid assessments, work breakdown structures, bid file management, kick-off meetings, and senior management reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve current bid processes, including reviewing and revising Work Processes and Methodology Statements.
• Collaborate with the Compliance team to assess and manage risk, ensuring appropriate sign-offs from senior management.

Knowledge Library:

• Maintain an up-to-date database of rate sheets for global operations.
• Ensure the database of logistics service providers (agents, carriers, operators, etc.) is current and comprehensive.
• Assist in the ongoing enhancement of sales materials tailored to the UK market.
• Act as a champion of corporate branding, ensuring all bids and proposals are consistent with the company’s messaging and formatted effectively.

Hand-Over:

• For successful bids, prepare an operational summary for the Operations team (with occasional involvement in job file management, if operations are unable to do so).
• Work with the Operations team to assess performance periodically and gather testimonials and statistics for future bids.
• Provide any additional services as required.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong grammar and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, particularly Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, is essential. Familiarity with Office365 collaboration tools such as Teams and Planner is desirable.
• Ability and willingness to embrace new IT solutions and apply them in day-to-day tasks.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to effectively manage time and multiple priorities.
• Experience in the freight forwarding or supply chain sector is essential, with a particular focus on pricing within the project logistics industry.
• Excellent data analysis, communication, and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of the UK multimodal logistics market, including global trade routes and how to leverage them to win business.
• Ability to build and maintain strong supplier and vendor relationships.
• Deep understanding of logistics operations, with the ability to translate commercial proposals into executable operational plans.
• Familiarity with Incoterms and their practical applications in global logistics.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Pension scheme with matching contributions up to 5% of basic salary.
• Group Life Assurance cover (up to 3x basic annual salary).
• Potential for international travel.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing company and be part of a dedicated team, working on major logistics projects worldwide. If you’re a motivated individual with the skills to succeed in a fast-paced, global environment, we’d love to hear from you.