Head of China Overseas Business Full Time NEW

Contract: Full‑time, Permanent

Location: UK (nationwide remit with China‑focused market responsibilities)

Reports to: Director of Business Development

Lead Growth for DHL Express Across the China Overseas Market

This is a unique opportunity to join DHL Express as a Head of China Overseas Business with dedicated responsibility for leading and accelerating our China Overseas commercial strategy.

You will oversee a national sales cluster while focusing specifically on customers trading with, importing from, or exporting to Mainland China.

We are seeking a commercially sharp, culturally aware, high‑performing sales leader who is fluent in Mandarin and confident navigating both UK and Chinese business environments.

You’ll play a critical role in strengthening customer relationships, driving market penetration, and supporting the growth of high‑potential trade lanes between the UK and China.

Driving High‑Impact Sales Leadership

Owning Territory Growth & China‑Focused Strategy

• Execute the UK Sales Strategy with a targeted focus on China trade‑lane opportunities.
• Develop strategic objectives to increase revenue, market share, and profitability within China‑linked customer portfolios.
• Produce local Sales Force Activity Plans and provide input to national Sales Budget and Sales Strategy processes.

Managing & Coaching

• Lead, support, and coach a Business Development Manager, ensuring they are set up for success and consistently performing at a high level.
• Review their sales activity, weekly pipeline, and customer data to identify growth opportunities, development needs, and targeted coaching actions.
• Conduct regular field accompaniments and provide structured, personalised sales coaching to strengthen capability, confidence, and results.
• Create an open, collaborative, and high‑performance environment where they feel empowered, supported, and motivated to achieve outstanding outcomes.

Supporting China‑Linked Customers & Partnerships

• Act as the senior escalation point for customers trading with China, ensuring retention and satisfaction.
• Lead customer visits and co‑selling activities as the most senior sales professional in the region.
• Promote best practice for China‑related documentation, customs, trade requirements, and operational processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with China‑based stakeholders, partners, and global DHL counterparts.

Ensuring Operational Excellence

• Utilise DHL’s global sales process to manage customer opportunities consistently and efficiently.
• Conduct sales forecasting for the territory, comparing performance against budget and re‑forecasting needs.
• Ensure smooth cross‑functional collaboration with Customer Services, Sales Channels, Marketing, and Operations.
• Maintain effective and timely escalation of service issues on behalf of customers.

What We’re Looking For

A Mandarin‑Fluent Commercial Leader

You must be fully fluent in both spoken and written Mandarin to support customer engagement, market insight, and relationship building within the China Overseas business.

A Proven Sales & People Leader

You have a strong track record in managing high‑performing sales teams and driving revenue growth in fast‑paced environments.

A Cross‑Cultural Commercial Strategist

You understand Chinese business culture and communication norms and can comfortably navigate cross‑border commercial relationships.

A Strong Influencer & Relationship Builder

You inspire confidence at all levels and excel in building trust with customers, partners, and internal teams.

Skills & Experience

• Fluent in Mandarin (written and spoken) – essential
• Fluent in Cantonese (Desired)
• 2–3 years management experience or demonstrated leadership capability
• Minimum 5 years sales experience (logistics or service industry preferred)
• Strong business and commercial acumen
• Success in driving operational and commercial efficiencies
• Ability to adapt rapidly to changing priorities and international market dynamics
• Excellent planning, organisation, and communication skills

Our Promise To You – Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Company Car
• Commission Scheme
• Generous holiday allowance (increasing with service)
• Excellent company pension contributions
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Generous company sick pay
• Voluntary benefits including retail & leisure discounts, gym memberships and dental plans
• Discounted health assessments
• Access to wellbeing programmes and mental health first aiders
• Outstanding development and career progression opportunities

Ready to Lead Our China Overseas Growth?

If you’re an experienced commercial leader, fluent in Mandarin, and ready to drive strategic growth in one of DHL’s most important international markets, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and bring your international expertise to the world’s most global company.

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