Sea Freight Pricing Specialist

OttoBauthentic; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-related salary

Benefits

Job summary

A leading logistics company in Johannesburg is seeking a Sea Freight Pricing Specialist. This role involves managing competitive sea freight pricing, negotiating with carriers, and supporting sales and operations. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years of experience in sea freight pricing, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in pricing tools. The position offers a market-related salary and benefits, with a focus on accuracy and timeliness in quotations and profitability in freight transactions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in sea freight pricing, procurement, or related role.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping terms and sea freight operations.
• Understanding of customs procedures and international trade regulations.

Responsibilities

• Source and negotiate sea freight rates with carriers and agents.
• Prepare and deliver accurate sea freight quotations.
• Analyze client requirements for tailored pricing solutions.
• Monitor freight rate trends to ensure competitiveness.
• Manage rate filing and service agreements with carriers.
• Support sales teams with strategic pricing inputs.
• Build and maintain relationships with carriers, overseas agents, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure pricing structures comply with regulations and company policies.
• Review profitability of accounts and provide feedback to management.
• Maintain up-to-date rate databases and tariff systems.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Team player

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or International Trade

Tools

MS Excel

Freight management systems

Freight management systems

Job description

We are seeking an analytical and detail-oriented Sea Freight Pricing Specialist to join our team in the logistics sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of sea freight pricing, including compiling accurate quotes, negotiating with carriers, and supporting the sales and operations teams with competitive rate structures. This role requires strong market knowledge, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to provide accurate and timely pricing solutions that drive profitability and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate, and maintain competitive sea freight rates with carriers, shipping lines, and agents.
• Prepare and deliver accurate, timely, and profitable sea freight quotations for both import and export shipments.
• Analyze client requirements to provide tailored pricing solutions that align with service expectations and budget.
• Monitor freight rate trends, surcharges, and industry developments to ensure pricing remains competitive.
• Manage rate filing, contracts, and service agreements with carriers and partners.
• Support sales teams with strategic pricing input for tenders, bids, and RFQs/RFIs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with carriers, overseas agents, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, customs, and company policies in pricing structures.
• Regularly review profitability of accounts and provide feedback to management.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date rate databases and tariff systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric / Grade 12 (essential).
• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or International Trade (advantageous).
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in sea freight pricing, procurement, or related role within the logistics/freight forwarding industry.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping terms (Incoterms), carrier contracts, and sea freight operations.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, pricing tools, and freight management systems.
• Understanding of customs procedures and international trade regulations.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to balance competitiveness and profitability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure with strict deadlines.
• Problem-solving mindset with proactive decision-making.
• Team player with the ability to work cross-functionally.

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of quotations provided.
• Competitiveness of secured sea freight rates.
• Conversion rate of quotes to secured shipments.
• Profit margins achieved on sea freight transactions.
• Strong carrier and agent relationship management.
• Contribution to successful tenders and bids.

Employment Details

• Job Title: Sea Freight Pricing Specialist – Logistics
• Location: Germiston
• Reports To: Pricing Manager
• Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Remuneration: Market-related salary + benefits