Ocean Freight Manager

Impact Talent; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 893,000 - 1,339,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive monthly salary

Opportunity for leadership

Culture of operational excellence

Job summary

A global logistics provider based in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Ocean Freight Manager to lead and optimize freight operations. The ideal candidate will have 3-4 years of ocean freight experience, strong operational knowledge of shipping, and proven leadership skills. This role offers competitive salary and the chance to work within a respected international brand, fostering a culture of operational excellence and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of hands-on ocean freight experience, with 7–10 years in logistics overall.
• Strong operational knowledge of international shipping and customs clearance.
• Proven ability to lead small teams and manage complex shipments.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with carriers and suppliers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and shipment tracking systems.
• Structured, solution-focused approach to prioritization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of ocean freight operations and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage local operations team and oversee documentation activity.
• Build strong carrier relationships and negotiate service contracts.
• Resolve service issues to maintain high customer satisfaction.
• Resolve service issues quickly and effectively, maintaining high customer satisfaction levels.
• Analyse operational performance and contribute to budget planning and continuous improvement.
• Maintain and enhance operational processes in line with international best practices.

Skills

Ocean freight experience

Operational knowledge of shipping

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Tools

Shipment tracking systems

Job description

Ocean Freight Manager
Location: Cape Town

Join a globally established logistics provider with a strong international network and long-standing partnerships with leading ocean carriers. We're recruiting an experienced Ocean Freight Manager to lead and optimise freight operations in Cape Town.

Operating across more than 60 countries, our client delivers cost-effective, reliable ocean freight solutions backed by regional expertise and a commitment to service excellence. This is a standout opportunity for a skilled freight forwarding professional to take ownership of a key operational function within a high-performing, international team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Oversee all aspects of ocean freight operations, ensuring efficient movement and regulatory compliance

• Manage and support the local operations team, overseeing documentation and day-to-day activity

• Build strong carrier relationships and negotiate favourable service contracts

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless logistics performance

• Resolve service issues quickly and effectively, maintaining high customer satisfaction levels

• Analyse operational performance and contribute to budget planning and continuous improvement

• Maintain and enhance operational processes in line with international best practices

What You'll Bring to the Table

• 3–4 years of hands‑on ocean freight experience, with 7–10 years in freight forwarding or logistics overall

• Strong operational knowledge of international shipping, customs clearance, and documentation

• Proven ability to lead small teams and manage complex shipments

• Effective communication and negotiation skills, particularly with carriers and suppliers

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and shipment tracking systems

• A structured, solution‑focused approach with the ability to manage competing priorities

What's in It for You?

• Competitive monthly salary

• Work for a respected international brand with strong global infrastructure

• Join a culture that values operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous development

• Take on a visible leadership role with the opportunity to shape freight processes locally

• Be part of a company with robust carrier relationships and a commitment to service quality

Take the Next Step in Your Career

If you're ready to take on the Ocean Freight Manager role and lead freight operations for a global logistics provider, we want to hear from you.

Please apply now to start a confidential conversation with our executive search team. We'll support you through every step of the process and ensure this move adds real value to your career.