International Freight Forwarding Manager

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance incentives

International travel opportunities

Retirement annuity

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking an experienced International Freight Forwarding Manager to lead its Durban operation, overseeing air, sea and road shipments, driving efficiency and profitability, and managing a team of freight specialists.

The role requires a Bachelor's in a related field and 8+ years with international logistics, strong knowledge of trade regulations and Incoterms, and excellent leadership and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field as specified.
• Minimum 8 years in international freight forwarding or global logistics.
• Proven experience with air and sea freight operations and Incoterms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of freight forwarding professionals.
• Maintain relationships with carriers, airlines, shipping lines, and brokers.
• Ensure compliance with international trade laws and customs procedures.
• Optimize freight costs, transit times, and overall efficiency.
• Monitor performance and manage budgets and P&L for the department.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Negotiation

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Business, Logistics, or related field

Tools

Freight management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent international freight forwarding company, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented International Freight Forwarding Manager to lead their operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This pivotal role involves managing all aspects of international freight movement, including air, sea, and road transport. You will be responsible for overseeing a team of freight specialists, fostering strong relationships with carriers and clients, and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of global logistics, customs procedures, and supply chain management, with a proven ability to drive efficiency and profitability. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the strategic growth of our client's global network from their key hub in Durban .

Key Responsibilities

Manage and oversee the end-to-end process of international freight forwarding for air, sea, and land shipments. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of freight forwarding professionals, ensuring high levels of service and performance. Build and maintain strong relationships with shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, customs brokers, and other service providers. Ensure compliance with all international trade laws, customs regulations, and documentation requirements. Develop and implement strategies to optimize freight costs, transit times, and operational efficiency. Oversee the preparation and processing of all necessary shipping documents, including bills of lading, customs declarations, and certificates of origin. Handle customer inquiries, resolve issues, and provide proactive communication regarding shipment status. Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities and service enhancements. Manage operational budgets and financial performance for the freight forwarding department. Implement and utilize advanced freight management systems to track shipments and manage data effectively.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in International Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in international freight forwarding or global logistics management. Proven experience in managing air and sea freight operations. In-depth knowledge of international trade regulations, customs procedures, and Incoterms. Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff. Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in freight forwarding software and systems. Demonstrated ability to analyze market trends and develop strategic plans. Experience in managing operational budgets and P&L responsibility is highly desirable. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Must possess excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent medical aid, a retirement annuity, and performance incentives. Opportunities for international travel and professional development through industry certifications are available. Join our dynamic team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and play a key role in shaping the future of global logistics.