Global Freight Forwarder Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Remote work culture

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Global Freight Forwarder Manager to lead remote operations across air, sea, and land freight. You will oversee carrier relationships, negotiate rates, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize networks for cost and transit-time savings.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in freight forwarding, strong leadership, and a track record of guiding global teams. This remote role offers substantial health benefits and growth opportunities across a worldwide logistics

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in freight forwarding and international logistics management.
• Experience managing global transportation networks and complex supply chains.
• Knowledge of international trade regulations, customs procedures, incoterms.
• Proven track record negotiating contracts with carriers and freight forwarders.
• Strong leadership and communication for remote global teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct global freight forwarding operations, including air, sea, and land transportation.
• Develop and maintain relationships with international carriers, customs brokers, and 3PLs.
• Negotiate rates and SLAs with freight forwarders and carriers.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs, and import/export laws.
• Optimize freight routes and modes to reduce costs and improve transit times.
• Monitor shipment status and address issues or delays.
• Lead and mentor a remote team of logistics professionals.
• Analyze data and KPIs to identify trends and improvement areas.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align strategies with business goals.
• Manage operational budgets and cost-effective execution of freight services.
• Stay current with global trade developments and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Remote team management

Data-driven decisions

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

TMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in international logistics, is seeking an experienced and strategic Global Freight Forwarder Manager to lead their remote operations. This critical role will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of international freight forwarding, managing carrier relationships, negotiating rates, and ensuring the efficient and compliant movement of goods across borders. As a fully remote position, you will leverage your expertise to drive operational excellence and provide strategic guidance to a global network of partners and internal teams. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of global trade regulations, and a proven ability to optimize complex logistics networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct global freight forwarding operations, including air, sea, and land transportation.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with international carriers, customs brokers, and third-party logistics providers.
• Negotiate competitive rates and service level agreements with freight forwarders and carriers.
• Ensure compliance with all international trade regulations, customs requirements, and import/export laws.
• Optimize freight routes and modes of transportation to reduce costs and improve transit times.
• Monitor and manage shipment status, proactively addressing any potential issues or delays.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of global logistics operations.
• Lead and mentor a remote team of logistics professionals.
• Analyze freight forwarding data and KPIs to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align freight forwarding strategies with overall business objectives.
• Manage operational budgets and ensure cost-effective execution of freight services.
• Stay current with global trade developments and supply chain best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Business, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in freight forwarding and international logistics management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing global transportation networks and complex supply chains.
• In-depth knowledge of international trade regulations, customs procedures, and incoterms.
• Proven success in negotiating contracts and managing relationships with carriers and freight forwarders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, essential for managing a remote global team.
• Proficiency in transportation management systems (TMS) and other relevant logistics software.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced, remote work environment.
• Experience with specific trade lanes and markets is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, extensive health benefits, and significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
• Employees enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere within South Africa, access to cutting-edge logistics technology, and the chance to shape global logistics strategies.
• Our client fosters a collaborative and innovative remote culture, supporting work-life balance and providing continuous learning opportunities.
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses are part of the compensation package, recognizing outstanding contributions to global supply chain excellence.