Head of PIL Logistics South Africa

Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A global shipping leader is looking for a Head of PIL Logistics in South Africa to lead logistics operations and drive growth across the region. This role will involve establishing logistics entities, establishing partnerships, and optimizing operations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in shipping and logistics, with a customer-centric approach and a high-energy, hands-on leadership style. Join us to shape the future of logistics in South Africa while enjoying opportunities for growth and influence in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

High-profile leadership role

Autonomy and creativity in operations

Transform logistics solutions

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in logistics operations.
• Experience with financial management and budgets.
• Expertise in building partnerships in logistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow logistics operations in South Africa.
• Establish and oversee logistics entities.
• Forge partnerships with stakeholders in the supply chain.

Skills

Extensive experience in South African and cross-border shipping

Strong expertise in intermodal logistics across Durban–Gauteng

Proven track record of leadership

High-energy, hands-on leadership style

Strategic and analytical thinker

Customer-centric mindset

Job description

DRIVING CONNECTIVITY

Chart your Course with PIL

With over 55 years of leadership in the global shipping industry, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is looking for proactive individuals to drive innovation and sustainable shipping solutions. If you’re fueled by pioneering ideas, enjoy challenging the status quo, and are determined to make a significant impact, PIL wants you as a part of our dynamic community of maritime professionals.

At PIL, we provide local experiences with a global reach. With our headquarters in Singapore, and services offered at over 500 locations in 90 countries, you will have ample opportunities to work with colleagues from different cultures and communities.

Get On Board for a Dynamic and Purposeful Career.

We’re seeking a dynamic and forward‑thinking Head of PIL Logistics South Africa to lead and grow our logistics operations, leveraging our long‑standing presence in the South African market while driving innovative, customer‑centric solutions. This role will play a pivotal part in shaping the future of our logistics offering across the wider region, steering strategic growth, operational excellence and strong commercial partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development

• Serve as the senior executive responsible for establishing, leading and scaling a newly created logistics entity in South Africa.
• Identify opportunities in the logistics sector, building compelling business cases and executing initiatives that leverage existing customer relationships and volumes from across the wider PIL Group to drive growth and profitability.
• Lead with a hands‑on, commercially focused approach, ensuring direct engagement with customers and partners and committing to extensive travel to drive business development and revenue growth.
• Evaluate market trends critically to position PIL as a leader in door‑to‑door logistics solutions.

Operational Setup And Optimization

• Establish and oversee logistics entities, including warehousing, trucking, and intermodal solutions, ensuring seamless integration across the supply chain.
• Build and manage a reliable network of local intermodal partners to support efficient operations.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for service delivery, cost, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Implement a fast‑growth plan while building scalable operations, governance, and capability.

Intermodal And Cross‑Border Expertise

• Develop and manage innovative intermodal logistics solutions tailored to client needs.
• Leverage extensive knowledge of South Africa’s cross‑border and regulatory landscape to ensure smooth, compliant operations.

Relationship Management

• Forge and maintain strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including customers, port authorities, transportation providers and other stakeholders in the supply chain.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, delivering customized solutions that exceed expectations.

Profitability And Business Growth

• Drive the financial success of the logistics division by modeling end‑to‑end costs, optimizing profit margins, and ensuring sustainable growth.
• Build a strong sales pipeline and convert leads to long‑term business partnerships.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Prepare and manage the logistics budget, ensuring responsible financial control, cost optimisation and forecasting.
• Analyse performance data and financial reports to drive efficiencies and budget accountability.
• Lead commercial negotiations with carriers, service providers and key customers to secure competitive contracts and service levels.

People & Stakeholder Leadership

• Recruit, develop and retain top logistics talent while fostering a high‑performance and safety‑centric culture.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness across all logistics functions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Procurement, Finance and Customer Service to ensure seamless interdepartmental coordination.
• Act as liaison with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, industry partners, and clients.

Must Have

• Extensive experience in South African and cross‑border shipping, logistics and transportation.
• Strong expertise in intermodal logistics across Durban–Gauteng, Durban–cross‑border and inland‑to‑port corridors.
• Proven track record of leadership and consistent delivery.
• High‑energy, hands‑on and entrepreneurial leadership style with readiness for extensive travel.
• Front‑line operator skilled at identifying opportunities, assessing viability and driving sustainable growth.
• Collaborative approach with regional teams and global port partners to build and scale the business.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong business‑case development and performance‑optimization skills.
• Decisive leader with exceptional people‑management capabilities.
• Customer‑centric mindset focused on world‑class service and long‑term partnerships.

We Value

• A broad network of customers, local authorities, vendors, and service providers.
• Procurement best practices and ethical leadership.
• Strong communication skills, including oral, written, and presentation abilities.
• Strategic thinking with a hands‑on approach to achieving business objectives.
• High integrity and adherence to corporate governance policies.

Why Join Us

• Make an Impact: Take on a high‑profile leadership role and play a pivotal part in driving PIL’s growth in South Africa and beyond.
• Innovate and Lead: Shape the future of logistics with autonomy, creativity, and the backing of a globally recognized shipping leader.
• Expand Your Legacy: Be at the forefront of transforming logistics solutions in one of the most dynamic regions on the continent.

Application Process

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume outlining your qualifications and experience on PIL Career Website.

Eligibility To Apply

This position is open to South African Nationals or individuals who currently have the legal right to work in South Africa. Please note that applicants without this eligibility will not be considered.

About Us

Incorporated in 1967, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is ranked 12th among the world’s top container shipping lines and is also the largest home‑grown carrier in Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, PIL is a global carrier with a focus on Asia, China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.

Together with its affiliated companies Mariana Express Lines (MELL) and Malaysia Shipping Corporation, PIL serves customers at over 500 locations in more than 90 countries worldwide with a fleet of 100 container and multi‑purpose vessels.

Apart from the core liner shipping business, PIL also has several other business units such as container manufacturing, depot, and logistics services.

PIL strives to meet the needs of its customers by providing value‑adding services such as intermodal, breakbulk, and reefer services delivered on innovative technological platforms. With its focus on “Driving Connectivity” and commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, PIL aims to be an efficient, sustainable, and future‑ready shipping line.

For more information, visit www.pilship.com.

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.