Contract Logistics Sales Representative – Japanese Accounts (VISA sponsorship)
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Account Acquisition
Identify and pursue new business opportunities among Japanese companies operating in the Netherlands and across Europe.
Develop and execute strategic target account plans.
Generate leads through networking, referrals, cold calling, email outreach, and client visits.
Build long-term relationships with prospective customers and key decision-makers.
Expand business within existing accounts by identifying untapped logistics requirements.
Drive new customer acquisition and new business revenue growth.
Solution Sales & Contract Logistics Consulting
Analyze customers' logistics and supply chain challenges.
Provide consultative sales support and develop tailored logistics solutions.
Design and propose integrated solutions covering:
Contract Logistics
Warehousing
Inventory Management
Distribution
Value-Added Services
Coordinate comprehensive solutions by incorporating air, ocean, and road freight services where appropriate.
Create opportunities related to warehouse setup, outsourcing, network redesign, and 3PL implementation.
Understand customers’ end-to-end supply chains and identify optimization opportunities.
Tender, Proposal & Commercial Management
Manage RFQs, RFPs, tenders, and commercial bidding processes.
Prepare customer presentations, proposals, pricing models, and quotations.
Lead commercial negotiations regarding service scope, pricing, and contractual terms.
Manage the complete sales cycle from prospecting through closing.
Support solution demonstrations and customer presentations when required.
Internal Coordination & Solution Implementation
Collaborate closely with Operations, Warehousing, Forwarding, and other internal departments.
Participate in logistics solution design and operational planning.
Ensure commercial offerings are operationally feasible.
Support smooth project handover following contract award.
Assist with implementation and start-up of new logistics operations.
Gather and communicate customer feedback to support continuous service improvement.
Pipeline & Performance Management
Maintain an active sales pipeline and target account portfolio.
Track opportunity stages, expected revenue, conversion probability, and implementation timelines.
Deliver regular sales reports and forecasts to management.
Monitor market trends, competitor developments, and Japanese business activity across Europe.
Manage activities and performance against agreed sales KPIs.
Requirements
Essential
Minimum 3 years of B2B sales experience within the logistics industry.
Strong knowledge of Contract Logistics, 3PL, and Warehousing solutions.
Proven success in new business development and customer acquisition.
Experience managing the full sales cycle, including prospecting, needs analysis, proposal development, negotiation, and closing.
Ability to understand customer logistics challenges and deliver solution-based sales.
Business-level English & Japanese proficiency.
Valid driver's license.
Willingness to travel extensively within the Netherlands and Europe.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Strong communication, stakeholder management, and coordination skills.
Preferred
Direct sales experience in Contract Logistics, 3PL, or Warehouse Solutions.
Operational experience in warehousing, distribution, or inventory management.
Knowledge of international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road).
Experience working for logistics providers, forwarders, or 3PL operators.
Experience supporting Japanese corporate customers in Europe.
Track record of winning RFQs, RFPs, and large logistics contracts.
Experience launching new warehouses, logistics facilities, or 3PL operations.
Industry experience across automotive, electronics, machinery, or consumer goods sectors.
Knowledge of logistics compliance, customs, and regulatory frameworks.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a commercially driven professional with a strong hunter mentality who can proactively identify opportunities and convert them into profitable business.
The ideal candidate will:
Be comfortable with cold calling and proactive prospecting.
Demonstrate resilience throughout long sales cycles.
Build trusted relationships with customers at all levels.
Focus on value creation rather than price competition.
Understand Japanese business culture while successfully operating in a European business environment.
Collaborate effectively with operational teams to deliver practical logistics solutions.
Maintain a strong focus on pipeline growth, sales performance, and profitability.