Business Development Specialist – China‑Ethiopia Trade Lane

About the role

DHL Express is seeking a Business Development Specialist to drive growth on the strategic China‑Ethiopia trade lane. The role focuses on heavyweight express shipments (30‑1000 kg) and aims to convert investment‑driven cargo flows into profitable DHL Express business. It is a 12‑month fixed‑term position based in Ethiopia.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, target and secure new heavyweight express business from Chinese manufacturers, contractors and Ethiopian exporters operating on the China‑Ethiopia corridor.
• Develop and manage a robust pipeline through networking, prospecting and structured territory planning.
• Conduct detailed shipment‑flow analyses and present tailored express solutions that balance speed, reliability and cost‑to‑serve.
• Negotiate contracts in line with DHL pricing and yield standards, ensuring sustainable profitability.
• Coordinate onboarding and first‑shipment stability with Operations, Finance and Customer Service, then hand over to Core Sales for ongoing account management.
• Engage with Chinese embassies, chambers of commerce and investment communities to position DHL as the logistics partner of choice.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related field.
• Proven B2B sales success in express logistics, air freight or time‑critical logistics, preferably with experience converting freight forwarding customers to express services.
• Fluency in Mandarin and English (spoken and written); Amharic is a strong advantage.
• Deep network within the Chinese business and investment community in Ethiopia and ability to engage with embassies and chambers of commerce.
• Valid residence and work permit for Ethiopia.