Ocean Freight Manager

Ca Select; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,004,000 - 1,674,000; Full time

Job summary

Ca Select is seeking a strategic Ocean Freight Manager to own end-to-end performance of the Ocean Freight Business Unit, including P&L accountability and growth initiatives. You will lead procurement, carrier management, and a high-performing operations team to deliver profitable, compliant, and customer-focused outcomes.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years in ocean freight or logistics, with a proven track record in negotiations and commercial development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in ocean freight, freight forwarding, or logistics.
• Proven track record in managing a P&L, budgeting or a business unit.
• Demonstrated expertise in shipping line rate negotiations and capacity procurement.
• Strong background in commercial development with ability to grow existing accounts and win new business.

Responsibilities

• Own P&L and performance, including revenue, volume, gross profit, and costs with budgeting and forecasting.
• Lead procurement and carrier management, negotiating rates and terms with shipping lines.
• Drive commercial growth through existing client base and new business opportunities, tenders, and solutions.
• Lead the operations team to ensure accurate bookings, documentation, milestones, and customer communication.
• Improve processes, controls, and system usage for productivity and data quality.
• Coach and develop the ocean freight team to foster a performance-driven culture.
• Ensure compliance with international shipping laws, internal policies, and customer standards.

Skills

P&L ownership

Procurement negotiations

Commercial growth

Team leadership

Operations excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Freight forwarding systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and commercially-minded Ocean Freight Manager to take full end-to-end accountability for the performance and development of their Ocean Freight Business Unit. This pivotal role owns the Business Unit P&L and is responsible for building a competitive, scalable, and customer-focused product through expert procurement, commercial growth, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities P&L and Performance Management: Full accountability for revenue, volume, gross profit, and operating costs, including budgeting, forecasting, and implementing corrective actions to improve profitability. Procurement and Carrier Management: Lead negotiations with shipping lines to secure competitive rates, capacity, allocations, and commercial terms while maintaining strategic carrier relationships. Commercial Growth: Drive volume and revenue growth by identifying opportunities within the existing customer base and actively participating in new business acquisitions, tenders, and solution development. Service Delivery Excellence: Lead the operations team to ensure accurate booking execution, documentation control, milestone management, and high-quality customer communication. Operational Efficiency: Continuous improvement of processes, controls, and system utilization to enhance productivity, data quality, and service consistency. Leadership and Capability: Direct, coach, and develop the ocean freight team, fostering a customer-focused and performance-driven culture with clear accountabilities. Risk and Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with international shipping laws, internal policies, and customer standards, managing commercial and financial risks effectively.

Requirements Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field. Minimum of 7+ years of experience in ocean freight, freight forwarding, or logistics. Proven track record in managing a P&L, budget, or business unit with clear financial accountability. Demonstrated expertise in shipping line rate negotiations and capacity procurement. Strong background in commercial development, with the ability to grow existing accounts and win new business. Previous experience leading operational teams in a high-pressure, time-sensitive logistics environment. Deep technical knowledge of international ocean freight processes, trade lanes, carrier practices, and documentation. Proficiency in ERP and freight forwarding management systems.

Whats on Offer Competitive monthly salary at a management level. The opportunity to lead and shape a major Business Unit within a leading organisation. A high-impact role with significant autonomy over procurement strategy and commercial growth. Professional development within a performance-driven and scaling environment.