Business Development Executive (Cargo)

The Port of Dover is a dynamic and ambitious organisation at the heart of UK trade, travel and tourism. We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded Business Development Executive to support the delivery of our commercial growth ambitions.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who enjoys building relationships, analysing data, uncovering opportunities and supporting business growth. Working across a wide range of commercial activities, you will help develop customer relationships, provide valuable business insights, support strategic projects and contribute to initiatives that drive revenue and service excellence.

The role offers exposure to customers, stakeholders and industry partners across multiple sectors, providing an excellent platform for career development within a fast-paced commercial environment.

What You'll Be Doing

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key point of contact for customers, business partners and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with existing and prospective customers.
• Respond to enquiries and coordinate customer requirements across the business.
• Support customer onboarding, retention and account development activities.
• Help deliver an excellent customer experience and identify opportunities to add value.

Business Development Support

• Support the delivery of commercial growth plans and business development strategies.
• Assist in identifying new business opportunities, market trends and customer requirements.
• Prepare high-quality proposals, presentations, reports and business cases.
• Support the development of customer value propositions and commercial initiatives.
• Assist in tracking opportunities through the sales pipeline.

Market Intelligence & Analysis

• Gather and analyse market intelligence, competitor activity and industry developments.
• Maintain commercial and operational data to support informed decision-making.
• Produce reports, dashboards and business insights using tools such as Power BI.
• Support forecasting, opportunity tracking and performance analysis.
• Identify trends and opportunities that can contribute to commercial growth.

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate customer records, databases and CRM systems.
• Produce regular management reports and performance updates.
• Support budget administration, purchase orders and invoice processing where required.
• Maintain records relating to contracts, commercial agreements and service levels.
• Ensure documentation is accurate, organised and readily accessible.

Project & Operational Support

• Coordinate business development projects and activities.
• Monitor progress against agreed objectives and milestones.
• Liaise with departments across the organisation to support successful delivery.
• Assist in implementing customer and commercial initiatives.

Industry Engagement & Representation

• Attend customer meetings, exhibitions, conferences and industry events.
• Support the planning and organisation of trade shows and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Represent the Port professionally and positively within the industry.
• Build networks that support long-term commercial growth opportunities.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems and ways of working.
• Support innovation initiatives, including digital, automation and AI-enabled solutions.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and commercial excellence.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Experience in a commercial, business development, customer service or account management role.
• Experience using CRM systems.
• Experience using Power BI or similar reporting and data visualisation tools.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
• Experience preparing reports, presentations and management information.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience within ports, logistics, maritime, transport, tourism or related industries.
• Understanding of commercial contracts and business case development.
• Experience supporting strategic business development initiatives.

You are commercially curious, proactive and eager to make an impact. You enjoy working with data, building relationships and helping organisations grow.

• Customer focused and relationship driven.
• Confident communicating with stakeholders at all levels.
• Comfortable presenting ideas and information.
• Resilient and adaptable when managing changing priorities.
• A collaborative team player who works effectively across departments.
• Passionate about innovation, growth and continuous improvement.
• Willing to travel across the UK and internationally when required.
• A positive ambassador who represents the Port's values and reputation.

• 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Private Health Care
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Benefits and reward platform
• Free Parking
• Employee volunteering scheme

Why Join the Port of Dover?

As one of the UK's most important gateways, the Port of Dover offers a unique opportunity to be part of a business that connects people, trade and communities.

You'll work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful commercial projects and gain exposure to a wide range of sectors and stakeholders, all while helping shape the future growth of the Port.

If you're looking to develop your career in business development, commercial analysis and stakeholder engagement, we'd love to hear from you.

Hours of work: Monday – Friday 37.5hrs per week

Salary: £31,000

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.

Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.

All applications are reviewed by our team — we do not use AI for screening.

Closing date:  16 November 2026 at 5pm