Freight Forwarder Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

International work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo is seeking a Freight Forwarder Specialist for a hybrid role combining on-site operations with remote coordination. You will oversee end-to-end international and domestic shipments, ensuring compliant, cost-effective movements and timely delivery.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in logistics, with 5+ years in freight forwarding, strong negotiation and communication skills, and proficiency with freight software and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Business, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in freight forwarding or international logistics.
• In-depth knowledge of shipping procedures, customs regulations, and Incoterms.
• Proven experience in negotiating with transportation providers.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in using freight forwarding software and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Detail-oriented and committed to accuracy.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid model, balancing on-site duties with remote responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Arrange and manage all modes of transportation for international and domestic shipments.
• Prepare shipping documentation including customs declarations, bills of lading, invoices.
• Communicate with clients to understand needs, provide quotes, and offer solutions.
• Negotiate rates and terms with carriers, airlines, shipping lines, and trucking companies.
• Track and trace shipments with timely updates to clients and internal teams.
• Ensure compliance with import/export regulations, customs laws, and security requirements.
• Resolve issues or discrepancies that arise during the shipping process.
• Maintain relationships with vendors, partners, and clients.
• Optimize shipping routes and methods to reduce costs and transit times.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Problem solving

Customer service

Attention to detail

Time management

Hybrid work

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics

Tools

Freight forwarding software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in freight forwarding and logistics, is seeking a dynamic Freight Forwarder Specialist to join their team in Polokwane . This hybrid role requires active participation in on-site operations and strategic planning, alongside remote coordination and client interaction. You will manage the end-to-end process of international and domestic freight movements, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with all regulations. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of global shipping routes, customs procedures, and strong negotiation skills. This is a critical role for managing complex supply chains and ensuring timely delivery of goods for our client's diverse customer base in Limpopo and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Arrange and manage all modes of transportation (air, sea, road, rail) for international and domestic shipments.
• Prepare and process all necessary shipping documentation, including customs declarations, bills of lading, and invoices.
• Communicate with clients to understand their shipping needs, provide quotes, and offer solutions.
• Negotiate rates and terms with carriers, airlines, shipping lines, and trucking companies.
• Track and trace shipments, providing timely updates to clients and internal teams.
• Ensure compliance with all import/export regulations, customs laws, and security requirements.
• Resolve any issues or discrepancies that arise during the shipping process.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors, partners, and clients.
• Optimize shipping routes and methods to reduce costs and transit times.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in freight forwarding or international logistics.
• In-depth knowledge of shipping procedures, customs regulations, and Incoterms.
• Proven experience in negotiating with transportation providers.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in using freight forwarding software and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Detail-oriented and committed to accuracy.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid model, balancing on-site duties with remote responsibilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and commission structure.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Paid annual leave.
• Professional development opportunities and industry certifications.
• Hybrid work arrangement for enhanced flexibility.
• Dynamic and international work environment.