Senior Freight Forwarding Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Bonus potential

Medical aid

Retirement fund

International travel

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a highly experienced Senior Freight Forwarding Manager to lead and optimize air, sea, and road freight operations. You will drive process improvements, ensure compliance with international trade regulations, and mentor a team of freight professionals.

The role requires strategic business development, strong client relationships, and the ability to manage budgets and P&L while expanding the company's market share in a major port city.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Business or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive freight forwarding/international logistics experience, including 3+ years in a managerial role.
• Deep knowledge of global shipping markets, Incoterms, customs procedures, and trade compliance.
• Proven experience managing air, sea and road freight operations.
• Strong leadership and team-management capabilities.
• Excellent business development and client relationship management skills.
• Proficiency with freight forwarding software and relevant IT systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with strategic decision-making.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills; understands supply chain risk management.
• FIATA Diploma or similar certifications are a plus.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Oversee international freight forwarding operations (air, sea, road).
• Ensure compliance with trade laws, customs regulations, and industry standards.
• Develop plans to improve operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of freight forwarding professionals.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, carriers, and overseas partners.
• Drive business development to win new clients and expand offerings.
• Monitor market trends, carrier rates and service levels for competitiveness.
• Oversee shipping documents, customs declarations and tariffs.
• Implement and refine SOPs for all freight forwarding activities.
• Manage budgets and P&L for the freight division.
• Resolve complex operational and client issues promptly.
• Provide accurate KPI reporting for operations and finances.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Strategic planning

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics / Supply Chain Management / International Business

Tools

Freight forwarding software

IT systems proficiency

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading international freight forwarding and logistics company with a significant presence in Durban, is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Senior Freight Forwarding Manager.

This strategic role is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the company's freight operations, including air, sea, and road freight, ensuring seamless movement of goods for clients.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of international trade regulations, customs procedures, shipping markets, and possess strong leadership and business development capabilities.

You will manage a team of freight specialists, foster client relationships, drive operational efficiency, and contribute to the growth of the company's market share.

This is a key leadership position within our client's operations, offering significant impact and career progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of international freight forwarding operations (air, sea, road).
• Ensure compliance with all relevant international trade laws, customs regulations, and industry standards.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of freight forwarding professionals.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key clients, carriers, and overseas partners.
• Drive business development initiatives to acquire new clients and expand service offerings.
• Monitor market trends, carrier rates, and service levels to ensure competitive advantage.
• Oversee the preparation and management of shipping documentation, customs declarations, and tariffs.
• Implement and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all freight forwarding activities.
• Manage operational budgets and P&L for the freight forwarding division.
• Resolve complex operational and client issues promptly and professionally.
• Ensure accurate reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operations and financials.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Business, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in freight forwarding and international logistics, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of global shipping markets, Incoterms, customs procedures, and trade compliance.
• Proven experience managing air, sea, and road freight operations.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent business development and client relationship management abilities.
• Proficiency in using freight forwarding software and relevant IT systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make strategic decisions.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of supply chain risk management principles.
• Professional certifications (e.g., FIATA Diploma) are a significant advantage.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with extensive experience and leadership role.
• Significant bonus potential tied to operational performance and business growth.
• Opportunity to lead and shape freight forwarding operations in a major port city.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Potential for international travel and exposure to global logistics networks.
• Generous leave allocation.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment within a respected industry leader.
• Career progression opportunities within the global organization.