Outside Sales – Ocean Freight / Shipping

Location: Japan (Tokyo & Fukuoka)

About the Role

Our client is a leading global shipping and logistics organization with an established presence in Japan and an extensive international network.

They are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Outside Sales professional to join their Japan sales organization. This role will focus on developing existing customer relationships, generating new business, and increasing revenue across ocean freight and related logistics services.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted commercial partner to customers, understanding their supply chain requirements and developing solutions across international shipping, inland transportation, and value-added logistics services.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop sales volume, revenue, and market share in line with the company's commercial strategy.
• Manage and grow relationships with existing customers while identifying opportunities for further account development.
• Identify, approach, and develop new business prospects, converting opportunities into sustainable long-term customer relationships.
• Conduct regular customer visits and maintain strong engagement with key decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Understand customer supply chain requirements and propose appropriate ocean freight and logistics solutions.
• Promote a broad portfolio of services, including:
  • International ocean freight
  • Intermodal and inland transportation
  • Value-added logistics services
  • Digital and e-commerce solutions
  • Integrated supply chain solutions
• Monitor market developments, competitor activity, customer trends, and commercial opportunities.
• Maintain accurate customer information, commercial activities, opportunities, and feedback within the company's CRM system.
• Work closely with internal sales, pricing, trade, operations, and customer service teams to develop and execute commercial action plans.
• Support customer negotiations, quotations, tenders, and commercial proposals.
• Review booking forecasts and available shipping capacity to support effective cargo planning and utilization.
• Provide regular sales forecasts, pipeline updates, and market intelligence to management.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a proactive, customer-focused sales professional who is comfortable developing relationships and generating business within the shipping and logistics sector.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in shipping, ocean freight, freight forwarding, logistics, or a related industry.
• Strong sales, business development, or account management experience.
• Fluency in Japanese and English, both written and spoken.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders at different levels within customer organizations.
• A commercially minded and results-oriented approach.
• Strong time management, responsiveness, and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze customer requirements and develop appropriate commercial solutions.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple internal functions in an international organization.

Desirable Skills

• Good understanding of the ocean freight market and international trade.
• Experience using CRM and sales management systems.
• Strong presentation and proposal-development skills.
• Familiarity with digital logistics solutions and evolving customer technology requirements.
• Strong attention to detail when managing customer, pricing, and commercial information.
• Existing relationships within the Japanese shipping, freight forwarding, or logistics market would be advantageous.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join a major international shipping and logistics organization with a strong presence in Japan.

The role offers significant exposure to international trade and the opportunity to develop relationships with a diverse portfolio of Japanese and multinational customers. You will work closely with experienced commercial, operational, and logistics professionals while representing a broad range of ocean freight and supply chain solutions.

For an experienced logistics sales professional looking to expand their network, develop new business, and build their career within a global organization, this position offers both autonomy and strong long-term career potential.