Business Development Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Business Development Associate

POSITION SUMMARY

The Business Development Associate is responsible for delivering new customer growth and servicing existing customers receive exceptional service within the assigned geographic area. You will identify and deliver new customers using your knowledge of offered services, area customer needs, and thorough knowledge of the LTL transportation and warehousing industry. This position works hard to provide exceptional service to new and existing customers, build meaningful relationships, and develop new business, all while ensuring Zip has healthy margins.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Follow instructions / guidance of upper management

Serve as a great example of the Zip Culture by understanding, and consistently following, and maintaining the policies and procedures of Zip Xpress

Must demonstrate being discrete, prompt, and professional

Identify and qualify prospective new clients by cold-calling & research, then following up on a scheduled basis by in-person visits, calls, and emails. Solicit quote opportunities and follow up to secure the business. Collaborate with Pricing and / or customer when needed.

Meet with current shippers to discuss recent quotes / shipments, upcoming needs, and their production levels and sales among other topics. Be available for any customer's needs and be able to act quickly to resolve any open issue.

Stay current on local / regional market conditions and appropriately adjust strategies to win business that meets company revenue goals. Develop a thorough understanding of the customer needs in order to identify and sell continuous improvement solutions that provide value to the customer.

Ability to knowledgeably discuss rates, rate increases, fuel costs, and capacity challenges. Develop a thorough understanding of the customer needs in order to identify and sell continuous improvement solutions that provide value to the customer base.

Assist in developing marketing initiatives, creation of content, and quantify performance of new strategies and campaigns. Build customer lists and categorize markets to better develop strategies for specific industry targeting.

Be available 24 / 7 to any customer's needs and be able to act quickly to resolve any open issue.

Act to assist Accounting with aging payables, and occasionally with open claims if the customer isn’t responsive to the office staff.

Self-direct and manage each week to effectively schedule and manage time. (i.e., customer visits, lunch appointments, etc.).

Submit sales reports, monthly expense report, & mileage tracking.

Any other task as requested by management

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Four or more years of progressive roles in the transportation industry with LTL experience required. 2 or more years of successful sales experience with a proven winning track record for developing new business and expanding business base highly preferred. Bachelor's degree in marketing, supply chain management, business management, or other applicable studies preferred.

Advanced Microsoft Office experience required. Strong ability utilizing the internet to conduct research.

Must be able to support the Zip Xpress culture with a focus on teamwork and a commitment to service

Verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

US Citizenship required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with Transportation, Logistics, & Warehousing

Thorough knowledge of West Michigan LTL market and customer base

COMMUNICATION

Effectively and regularly communicate with the Zip Xpress Sales Department staff, Pricing, and Sales Director

Support Zip Xpress’ values, principles, vision, and mission

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Lift up to 50lbs occasionally

Stand / walk / sit for up to 12 hours per day

Bend and Twist occasionally

Reach / work above shoulders occasionally

Fine manipulations frequently

Gross manipulation occasionally

Push / pull occasionally

PAY RATE & SCHEDULE

Salaried $75,000-$85,000 annually (including vehicle allowance), plus bonus commission opportunities

1st shift

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Typical Office Environment

TRAVEL

This position does require frequent travel outside of the designated location to visit clients

POSITION TYPE

This is a full-time exempt position

RELOCATION

Relocation expenses are not provided, and must be able to commute to our Holland, Michigan location on a regularly scheduled basis.

HIRING PREFERENCE

Zip Xpress is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.