Business Development Manager (Ghent)

Job description

As a global provider of logistics solutions, Katoen Natie combines engineering expertise with automation technologies to offer its customers efficient, tailor‑made logistics solutions. Owner of more than 180 sites across 40 countries in Europe, North America, South America, and the Far East, the company employs over 18,000 people.

Katoen Natie CGI (Consumer Goods) optimizes the European supply chain for strategic partners across various sectors: Home & Garden, Apparel & Sports and Leisure, Pet food and Pet Care, Automotive & Industry, After Market Spare Parts, E‑commerce, Health & Personal Care , Consumer Electronics.

Katoen Natie Ghent is a rapidly growing site that currently employs more than 1,000 people within its 400,000 m² facility and is willing to expand her actual premises with new investments.

• Based Sint-Kruis-Winkel ( Ghent Sea Port )
• Reports to the site manager Katoen Natie Ghent
• Occasional remote work is possible, but we value strong onsite presence to keep up with the team dynamics

Ready to join the adventure?

As a Business Development Manager within our commercial team, you will be a key player in identifying new projects.

Aligned with the commercial strategy, you will embody and promote the company’s values and will be responsible for identifying new opportunities.

Main responsibilities:            

• Prospecting: Using a list of local target companies and key markets, you establish first contact with target decision‑makers (C‑level profiles). You master communication tools and channels to perform highly targeted outreach.
• You map organizational structures and keep them updated. You build and maintain long‑term, active relationships with decision‑makers to ensure you are informed about upcoming projects.
• You contribute to the successful execution of commercial meetings (in tandem with your manager) and help prepare visits to our operations.
• You ensure commercial reporting to the site manager.
• You organize and participate in local professional network events, while also identifying and proposing new events.
• You carry out competitive and commercial monitoring of target companies.

• Master degree, preferable in Economics.
• A pre-existing network in the local market is preferred.
• Successful experience in prospecting; strong knowledge of prospecting tools.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to develop a network and co-operate with a team of solution engineers.
• Autonomous, able to work in a dynamic and constantly evolving environment.
• Strong sense of responsibility in achieving objectives, respecting deadlines, and being accountable for results.
• Ability to analyze markets and produce reporting.
• Deep insight in supply chain management and accordingly added value propositions.
• Excellent written and spoken Dutch, English, French.
• Agile, thorough, and curious , eager to learn.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and AI related software.

• Competitive salary based on knowledge and experience.
• Stability within a growing company.
• Team spirit and highly motivated colleagues.
• Numerous opportunities for personal development and autonomy.