Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment

Compensation

Full Description

Business Development Manager – International Freight Forwarding – Chicago, IL Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 base + uncapped commission Freight forwarding | Air & ocean freight | NVOCC | Logistics sales | Chicago About the Company We’re exclusively partnered with a well-established U.S.-based international freight forwarder with a strong Midwest presence and a long-standing reputation in global logistics. The business is privately held, financially stable, and known for its customer-first culture, operational depth, and strong compliance standards. With multiple U.S. offices and a trusted global partner network, they support complex air, ocean, and multimodal shipments across major international trade lanes. This organization has built its reputation on long-term client relationships rather than short-term, transactional sales. As a result, they provide a stable platform for experienced sales professionals who value credibility, service quality, and sustainable growth. About the Role The Business Development Manager will be responsible for driving new business development across the Chicago market, focusing on international air and ocean freight solutions. This is a true hunter role, targeting new importer and exporter accounts while leveraging a strong internal operations and pricing team to support client onboarding and long-term retention. The role offers a high level of autonomy, allowing you to manage your own pipeline, build strategic relationships, and position tailored logistics solutions across multiple verticals. You’ll be supported by leadership that understands sales, values transparency, and gives producers room to succeed without unnecessary micromanagement. Key Responsibilities • Develop and execute a regional sales strategy to grow international freight revenue • Prospect, qualify, and secure new importer/exporter accounts • Sell air and ocean freight solutions across key global trade lanes • Own the full sales cycle from initial outreach through onboarding and handover • Work closely with operations and pricing teams to ensure seamless service delivery • Build long-term client partnerships through consultative, solution-based selling Candidate Requirements • Proven experience in international freight forwarding sales • Strong air and ocean freight knowledge (import and/or export) • Demonstrated ability to generate new business, not just manage existing accounts • Solid understanding of global logistics processes and commercial freight solutions • Based in or able to work from the Chicago metro area • Motivated, self-directed, and commercially driven What You Can Expect • Base salary of $90,000 – $120,000, depending on experience • Uncapped commission structure with realistic earning potential • Established operations and leadership support • Autonomy to build and grow your own book of business • Long-term career opportunity with a respected U.S. freight forwarder