Head of Business Development – DHL – Calgary, AB
Location: Calgary, AB | Company: DHL
DHL’s Global Forwarding Freight division is looking for a seasoned Head of Business Development to join its Industrial Projects team in Calgary, Alberta. This is a senior commercial role for a driven logistics professional who knows how to open doors, build lasting relationships, and turn prospects into long-term clients.
At the heart of this position is new business acquisition — identifying untapped opportunities, developing tailored proposals, and securing profitable accounts within the Industrial Projects segment. If you thrive in a fast-moving, high-stakes logistics environment and have a track record of managing large-scale freight budgets, this role is worth a close look.
About the Role: Head of Business Development
Reporting directly to the Head of Industrial Projects, this position sits within the Global Forwarding Freight – Canada unit and focuses on growing DHL’s industrial customer base through strategic commercial initiatives. The role demands deep knowledge of the freight forwarding and project logistics landscape, as well as the commercial acumen to translate market intelligence into measurable revenue growth.
Beyond individual business development, this role carries a collaborative dimension — working closely with local, district, and regional teams to coordinate client solutions, while also providing mentorship and guidance to junior members of the business development team. You’ll be expected to engage confidently at the senior executive level with prospective customers and align their needs with DHL’s extensive service offerings.
Benefits and Salary
This is a full-time, limited-contract position with a standard schedule of 37.5 hours per week. As part of one of the world’s leading logistics organisations, employees at DHL typically have access to a range of corporate benefits. Specific compensation and benefits details were not listed in this posting — candidates are encouraged to inquire during the interview process.
Job Details
📌 Job Type: Full-Time
🏢 Company: DHL
📍 Location: Calgary, Alberta
⏱️ Schedule: 37.5 hours per week
📄 Contract Type: Limited
🏗️ Division: Global Forwarding Freight – Canada, Industrial Projects
Responsibilities
This role is fundamentally about driving new business growth within the Industrial Projects segment. From identifying high-value prospects to closing deals at the executive level, the Head of Business Development plays a central role in expanding DHL’s footprint in the Canadian market. Here’s a breakdown of what the day-to-day looks like:
- Identify and develop new business opportunities within the Industrial Projects sector through proactive market research and targeted outreach
- Initiate relationships with non-buying accounts and aggressively pursue prospects identified by the company
- Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key prospective customers at all levels
- Engage decision-makers to understand their strategic priorities and business needs
- Develop tailored proposals and compelling value propositions aligned with client requirements
- Create and execute sales plans using DHL resources to drive growth from targeted prospects
- Manage end-to-end prospect relationships, including senior-level engagement throughout the sales cycle
- Collaborate with local, district, and regional teams to coordinate client solutions and service delivery
- Provide market intelligence on competitors and suppliers to internal sales teams
- Mentor and guide junior business development team members as needed
Requirements / Skills
The ideal candidate brings a strong operational foundation in project logistics combined with a sharp commercial instinct for closing new business. DHL is seeking someone who can operate with credibility at the senior level and has the experience to manage complex, high-value freight relationships from the ground up.
- 10–15 years of experience in project logistics and/or freight forwarding is required
- Proven track record managing Industrial Projects with freight budgets of approximately USD 5M or more
- Strong operational background in logistics and project execution environments
- In-depth knowledge of the freight forwarding and logistics industry, including market dynamics and key players
- Commercial and relationship management skills with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
- Valid driver’s licence in the Province of Alberta
How to Apply
To apply, visit the official DHL job posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and reflects your experience in project logistics and business development before submitting.
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Job Summary & Tips for Applying
Quick Summary & What to Highlight: This Head of Business Development role at DHL in Calgary is perfect for candidates who excel in project logistics, new business acquisition, and senior stakeholder engagement. On your resume, emphasize any experience managing large freight budgets in the industrial or project logistics space, along with concrete examples of accounts won and revenue generated. If you’ve previously worked in freight forwarding or industrial project management, make sure to highlight specific achievements and the scale of projects you’ve handled.
Resume & Application Tips: Before applying, tailor your resume to match the job description. Include keywords like industrial projects, freight forwarding, and business development that appear in the posting. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “grew revenue by $2M in new accounts within 18 months” or “managed freight budgets exceeding USD 7M”). Write a brief cover letter expressing your genuine interest in DHL‘s Global Forwarding Freight division and why you’re the right fit for this senior role in Calgary. Double-check your application for spelling errors and ensure your contact information is current.
Interview Preparation: If selected for an interview, research DHL‘s values, recent news in global freight forwarding, and its presence in the Canadian industrial sector beforehand. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your commercial acumen and relationship management skills. Common questions may include scenarios about winning large accounts, navigating complex logistics challenges, and managing senior client relationships. Dress appropriately for a corporate logistics environment, arrive 10–15 minutes early, and bring copies of your resume. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team structure, growth targets, and DHL’s strategic direction in Industrial Projects. After the interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours reiterating your interest in the position.