Commercial Support Apprentice

We are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious Apprentice to join our Commercial team and begin building a successful career within the freight forwarding industry. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will gain hands-on experience across customer relationships, sales support, pricing, quotations and business development.

What you'll do

Commercial & Sales Support:

• Assist the Commercial team with identifying and researching new business opportunities across Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Road Freight and Customs services
• Support lead generation through prospecting, LinkedIn, email, telephone, referrals, networking and industry research
• Assist with maintaining and developing the company's sales pipeline and prospect database
• Support the preparation and follow-up of customer quotations, tenders and commercial proposals
• Learn how to understand customer requirements and identify appropriate logistics solutions in collaboration with experienced colleagues
• Develop confidence in communicating with prospective customers through telephone, email, LinkedIn and face-to-face interactions
• Progressively take responsibility for developing your own opportunities and customer relationships as your knowledge and experience grows

Customer Relationship Management:

• Support the Commercial team in building strong, professional and long-term customer relationships
• Develop an understanding of customers' businesses and supply chains to identify opportunities to add value
• Assist with regular customer contact, follow-ups and account development activities
• Respond to customer enquiries promptly and professionally, escalating where appropriate
• Support the successful onboarding of new customers and ensure relevant information is communicated effectively to the Operations team

Commercial & Market Intelligence:

• Develop a strong understanding of the freight forwarding industry and Baker Freight's Air, Ocean, Road and Customs services
• Research freight markets, customer sectors, competitors and industry developments to identify potential opportunities
• Assist with preparing accurate quotations and commercial information in collaboration with the Operations team
• Learn about freight pricing, gross profit, margins and the commercial considerations involved in winning profitable business
• Attend networking events, exhibitions and industry functions where appropriate to develop industry knowledge and commercial confidence

CRM & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of prospects, customer interactions, quotations and opportunities within the CRM system
• Assist with maintaining an up-to-date sales pipeline and ensuring opportunities are followed up appropriately
• Support the preparation of sales activity and pipeline reports
• Monitor quotation follow-ups and outcomes to understand what drives successful customer conversion

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:

• Work closely with the Commercial and Operations teams to understand how exceptional service supports customer retention and business growth
• Collaborate with colleagues to support sales initiatives, marketing activity and business development campaigns
• Share customer feedback, ideas and market intelligence with the wider team
• Look for opportunities to improve processes, customer communication and the overall commercial experience
• Champion Baker Freight's TRIBE values by demonstrating Togetherness, Respect, Innovation, Being Positive and Efficiency in every interaction

Training

• On the job training delivered by the employer
• Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment
• For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3
• Allocation of an apprenticeship delivery coach who will carry out regular training
• Assessment and support visits to ensure you acquire new learning, knowledge skills and behaviours in order to progress and develop
• Identify, track and support 6 hours off the job training activities
• Quarterly formal progress review meetings, identifying learning achievements and next steps
• Training on internal systems will be provided by the employer

After the apprenticeship

• Potential for permanent employment upon successful completion of the apprenticeship

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Team working
• Keen to learn and develop

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)

Benefits

Structured training and mentoring.

Career development opportunities within freight forwarding and logistics.

Friendly and supportive working environment.

About the employer

Baker Freight is a privately owned, rapidly growing freight forwarding company built on strong relationships, exceptional service and a positive mindset. We provide tailored Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Road Freight and in-house Customs solutions, combining the latest technology with experienced people to deliver outstanding results for our customers.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Business administrator (level 3), Business and administration
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year 6 Months
• Hours: 37.5 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.30pm
• Start date: 9 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £19,000 a year