Global Trade Lane Manager - Asia

Switch Recruit; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Recruit in South Africa seeks a commercially driven freight forwarding professional with strong Asian trade lane expertise and fluent Mandarin. The role focuses on developing international sales and building lasting client relationships.

Responsibilities include driving business development for Asia trade lanes, negotiating rates, coordinating international sales visits, and supporting cross-functional teams to capitalize on market opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in the clearing and forwarding industry.
• At least 5 years' experience in international transportation and global trade lane management, preferably Asia.
• Fluency in Mandarin (reading, writing and speaking) is essential.
• Strong understanding of Asian markets and international trade lane operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Drive business development and increase awareness of the Asia trade lane through sales initiatives, presentations and marketing material.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, international partners and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct local and international sales visits, including trips to the Far East approximately twice a year.
• Coordinate international sales visits and consignee selling trips with overseas partners.
• Collaborate with Air and Ocean Procurement on product development, pricing strategies and market opportunities.
• Negotiate competitive rates and escalate pricing or market-related challenges where necessary.
• Equip and support local sales teams through training, joint customer visits and trade lane information.
• Monitor competitor activity, market trends, shipment performance and trade lane results.
• Provide exceptional service to key accounts and monitor shipments for VIP clients.
• Lead global trade lane discussions, monitor stakeholder engagement and ensure compliance with the company's quality management systems.

Skills

Mandarin fluency

Freight forwarding expertise

Sales experience

Logistics knowledge

Job description

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in freight forwarding and logistics, professional sales experience and the ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin.

The ideal candidate is a commercially driven freight forwarding professional with strong Asian trade lane expertise, excellent Mandarin communication skills and a proven ability to identify business opportunities, negotiate competitive rates and build long-term international customer relationships.

Duties:

• Drive business development and increase awareness of the Asia trade lane through sales initiatives, presentations and marketing material.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, international partners and internal stakeholders.


• Conduct local and international sales visits, including trips to the Far East approximately twice a year.


• Coordinate international sales visits and consignee selling trips with overseas partners.


• Collaborate with Air and Ocean Procurement on product development, pricing strategies and market opportunities.


• Negotiate competitive rates and **escalate pricing or market-related challenges where necessary**.


• Equip and support local sales teams through training, joint customer visits and trade lane information.


• Monitor competitor activity, market trends, shipment performance and trade lane results.


• Provide exceptional service to key accounts and monitor shipments for VIP clients.


• Lead global trade lane discussions, monitor stakeholder engagement and ensure compliance with the company's quality management systems.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in the clearing and forwarding industry.


• At least 5 years' experience in international transportation, professional sales and global trade lane management, preferably focused on Asia.


• Fluency in Mandarin, including reading, writing and speaking, is essential.


• Strong understanding of Asian markets and international trade lane operations.


• Sound knowledge of international trade principles, Incoterms, tariff calculations, pricing structures, company payment terms and carrier conditions.


• Experience in sales, business development, rate negotiations and key account management.


• Knowledge of servicing and marketing principles, customer service charges and international currencies and codes.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.