Global Trade Lane Manager - Asia

Switch Recruit (Pty) Ltd; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Recruit (Pty) Ltd seeks an experienced Global Trade Lane Manager - Asia to drive business development and strengthen Asia trade lane relationships. Fluency in Mandarin and a solid freight-forwarding background are essential for expanding market share and negotiating competitive rates.

The ideal candidate will identify opportunities, build long-term international customer relationships and lead global trade lane discussions across stakeholders while ensuring quality management compliance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in clearing and forwarding.
• 5+ years in international transportation and global trade lane management, Asia focus.
• Mandarin reading, writing and speaking required.
• Strong knowledge of Incoterms, pricing structures and carrier terms.
• Experience in sales, business development and key accounts.
• Proficient in CRM and MS Office.
• Understanding of currencies and international payments.

Responsibilities

• Drive business development and grow Asia trade lane share.
• Maintain relationships with customers, partners and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct sales visits including Far East trips.
• Coordinate international sales visits with overseas partners.
• Collaborate on pricing strategies and market opportunities.
• Negotiate rates and address market challenges.
• Provide support to local sales teams with trade lane info.
• Monitor market trends and trade lane performance.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems.
• Lead trade lane discussions with stakeholders.

Skills

Mandarin fluency

Sales experience

Freight forwarding

Trade lane management

Customer relationships

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Global Trade Lane Manager - Asia to drive business development, strengthen international trade lane relationships and grow market share across the Asian trade lane.

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 elevate 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.