Sales Executive (Japanese Desk)

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

JOB POSITION: OUTSIDE SALES – JAPANESE DESK

ROLE SUMMARY: This position is charged with managing all sales operations pertaining to Japan or Japanese clientele.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

• Customer Relationship & Account Management
• Maintain regular contact with customers through calls, emails, visits, and events to strengthen relationships and understand ongoing needs.
• Manage all customer interface activities, ensuring efficient coordination and timely issue resolution.
• Support and manage Japanese accounts, including JOA tenders, JP IFF, JP LFF, and local JP BCOs.
• Sales & Business Development

• • Execute Sales Action Planning activities, including understanding customer contract terms and acting on commercial initiatives.
  • Identify, develop, and secure additional business opportunities through consignee; customer nominations or recommendation, and coordination with POL loading teams; all stakeholders   including overseas office.
  • Promote and find opportunity to sell Cargo Insurance, VAS (Value added service) products, and E‑commerce solutions.
  • Contribute to achieving market share growth.

• Customer Service, Requests & Complaint Handling

• • Receive, qualify, and process customer requests with accuracy and speed.
  • Register, monitor, and resolve customer complaints, ensuring prompt and satisfactory outcomes.
  • Review customer feedback and coordinate internal actions to improve service delivery.

• Market Intelligence & Customer Insights

• • Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of customer needs, industry trends, sourcing patterns, competitor activities, pricing policies, and logistics conditions.
  • Provide customers with updates on new services, liner developments, network changes, and company policies through meetings, presentations, and materials.

• Visit Management & Reporting

• • Conduct commercial visits and prepare detailed reports to document customer needs, opportunities, and follow-up actions.

• Financial Follow‑Up

• • Monitor customer portfolio payments and support debt recovery efforts to ensure healthy financial performance.

• Networking & External Engagement

• • Participate in commercial events, conferences, and trade activities to build professional networks and enhance business visibility.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 1-2 years of work experience in the shipping or forwarding industry is preferred. Fresh graduates are also encouraged to apply.
• Bachelor’s degree required / Must be a university graduate.

Professional Skills:

• Strong verbal and written English skills; proficiency in Japanese is considered an asset.
• Outstanding presentation abilities.
• Familiarity with customers and their needs. Experienced in handling Japanese account (Especially BCO) is considered as an asset
• Understanding of pricing strategies.
• Experience in the shipping or forwarding industry is preferred.

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrates assertiveness while maintaining tact.
• Highly motivated and results-oriented professional.

Come along on CMA CGM’s adventure !