Freight Forwarding Leader: Sea Freight Ops & Growth

The Working Earth; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,250,000; Full time

Job summary

The Working Earth in Midrand, South Africa, is seeking an experienced Freight Forwarding Operations & Team Leader to drive daily sea and air freight activities. You will lead a team, manage FCL/LCL shipments, ensure documentation and customs compliance, and coordinate with carriers and agents.

You will also spearhead business development, build a strong sales pipeline, and grow revenue across key sectors while monitoring margins and profitability.

Qualifications

• Sea freight experience is essential.
• Minimum 5 years in sea freight or logistics.
• Previous leadership or supervision of a sea freight team.
• Strong knowledge of sea freight imports/exports (FCL/LCL).
• Working knowledge of sea freight processes, customs, Incoterms.
• Proven in business development and new client acquisition.
• Understanding of freight pricing, costing and profitability.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• Experience with ERP/CRM or transport management systems.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day activities of the freight forwarding team.
• Oversee sea freight and air freight import and export operations.
• Manage FCL and LCL shipments from booking to delivery.
• Ensure accurate shipping documentation and customs compliance.
• Coordinate with lines, airlines, transporters, brokers and agents.
• Resolve operational challenges and customer escalations efficiently.
• Monitor KPIs, service levels and team productivity.
• Coach and develop team members for operational excellence.
• Develop and implement strategies to acquire new clients and grow revenue.
• Build and manage a robust sales pipeline.
• Pursue new business opportunities and conduct client meetings.
• Grow market share across multiple sectors and expand existing accounts.
• Achieve sales, revenue and gross profit targets.
• Review quotations, freight rates and pricing structures.
• Monitor margins, profitability and job costing.
• Ensure accurate billing and timely invoicing.

Job description

The Working Earth in Midrand, South Africa, is seeking an experienced Freight Forwarding Operations & Team Leader to drive daily sea and air freight activities. You will lead a team, manage FCL/LCL shipments, ensure documentation and customs compliance, and coordinate with carriers and agents.

You will also spearhead business development, build a strong sales pipeline, and grow revenue across key sectors while monitoring margins and profitability.