Seafreight Director / National Seafreight Manager

Future Careers; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics company in Johannesburg is seeking a senior leader to drive national seafreight operations and achieve growth and profitability targets. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in seafreight forwarding, with a solid track record of leadership and commercial acumen. You will develop operational strategies, manage high-performing teams, and ensure financial performance aligns with set targets. Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in seafreight forwarding.
• At least 10 years in senior leadership roles.
• Full P&L accountability experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead national seafreight operations to achieve growth and profitability.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies.
• Manage high-performing teams and foster relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business, or equivalent

FIATA Diploma

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

• Lead national seafreight operations to achieve growth, profitability, and performance targets.
• Develop and implement commercial and operational strategies that strengthen market position.
• Build and manage high-performing teams through effective leadership and succession planning.
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including carriers, partners, and customers.
• Drive operational excellence by optimising processes, quality, and efficiency.
• Ensure financial performance meets or exceeds set targets (growth, GP, EBIT).
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement across seafreight operations.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Commerce, Business, or equivalent (NQF 7).
• FIATA Diploma preferred; postgraduate qualification advantageous.
• Minimum 15 years experience in seafreight forwarding, with at least 10 years in senior leadership.
• Strong commercial acumen with full P&L accountability.
• Proven track record in strategic leadership, operations management, and people development.
• Excellent negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and act on new market opportunities.