District Commercial & Business Development Manager South America

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially driven Commercial Manager South America District to lead regional commercial performance, business development, and strategic sales initiatives across South America.

This role is responsible for supporting country sales teams in consistently achieving allocation targets and profitability goals while ensuring alignment with global commercial strategy and sales methodologies. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving sustainable growth, expanding the customer base, strengthening strategic partnerships, and converting market opportunities into measurable business results.

The position requires a strategic commercial leader with strong regional sales management experience in the shipping industry and the ability to work effectively within a global, matrix-based organization.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Commercial Performance

• Support and guide district sales teams in achieving allocation targets and profitability objectives.
• Monitor and control district sales performance while coordinating activities between Business Units and country organizations.
• Lead and support key account acquisition and retention efforts.
• Take ownership of district sales activities and commercial execution.

Strategy & Sales Excellence

• Lead the implementation of Sales Transformation initiatives across the district, including CRM adoption and sales target processes.
• Drive implementation of ZIM’s global sales strategy throughout the South America District.
• Ensure execution of sales routines, methodologies, and best practices defined by the Global Sales Unit.
• Support countries in target setting and ensure sales training programs are effectively aligned with business goals.

Business Development

• Identify and develop new business opportunities, customer segments, and strategic markets.
• Analyze market trends and competitive activity to support strategic decision-making.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with prospective and strategic customers.
• Support commercial negotiations, including pricing and contractual agreements.
• Act as a trusted advisor by understanding customer needs and proposing tailored logistics and shipping solutions.
• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships to expand market reach and enhance value creation.
• Monitor partnership performance and identify opportunities for further growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Operations, Finance, and Customer Service teams to ensure successful execution of commercial initiatives and projects.
• Support business case development, forecasting, and commercial performance reviews.
• Track and report on sales pipeline, business performance, and commercial outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, governance standards, and ethical business practices.

Why Join ZIM?

At ZIM, you will be part of a global, innovative, and customer-focused organization operating at the forefront of international shipping and logistics. This role offers the opportunity to influence regional growth strategy, work with multicultural teams, and make a significant commercial impact across South America.

• Academic education, MBA is a must
• Proven Regional Sales and Business Development management experience in South America.
• Strong understanding of sales and business development within the shipping industry.
• Senior-level commercial leadership experience.
• Strong sales management capabilities with a proven ability to lead high-performing teams.
• Experience working within a global matrix organization.
• Demonstrated success in new customer acquisition and deal closing.
• Experience in multinational and cross-functional environments.
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic mindset.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
• Results-oriented, proactive, resilient, and highly accountable.
• Strong sense of ownership and execution.
• Fluency in Portuguese, English, and Spanish is required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please, submit your CV in English only; CVs in other languages will not be considered.