Freight Forwarding Manager (Operations & Business Development)

SUMMARY:
An established international logistics and freight forwarding business is seeking an experienced Freight Forwarding Manager to lead its forwarding operations while driving business growth and customer acquisition.
 
This is a leadership role requiring a commercially minded professional who can successfully balance operational excellence, team leadership, customer relationship management and business development. The successful candidate will play a key role in growing revenue, expanding market share and ensuring high levels of customer service across sea and air freight operations.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Freight Forwarding Operations & Team Leadership Lead and manage the day-to-day activities of the freight forwarding team. Oversee sea freight and air freight import and export operations. Manage FCL and LCL shipments from booking through to final delivery. Ensure accurate shipping documentation and compliance with customs requirements. Coordinate with shipping lines, airlines, transporters, customs brokers and international agents. Resolve operational challenges and customer escalations efficiently. Monitor operational performance, service levels and team productivity. Coach, mentor and develop team members to achieve operational excellence. Business Development & Sales Develop and implement strategies to acquire new clients and grow revenue. Build and manage a robust sales pipeline. Identify, pursue and convert new business opportunities. Conduct client meetings, presentations and commercial negotiations. Grow market share across sectors including manufacturing, mining, engineering, energy, construction and retail. Expand existing customer accounts and establish long-term client relationships. Achieve agreed sales, revenue and gross profit targets. Commercial Management Review quotations, freight rates and customer pricing structures. Monitor margins, profitability and job costing. Ensure billing accuracy and timely invoicing. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiencies and profitability. Manage commercial risks and support strategic decision-making. Customer Relationship Management Maintain strong relationships with customers and stakeholders. Ensure professional communication and service delivery. Resolve customer queries and complaints effectively. Drive customer retention and repeat business opportunities. Reporting & Performance Management Prepare operational and sales performance reports. Track KPIs, shipment volumes, revenue and gross profit performance. Maintain accurate customer and operational records. Provide management with recommendations to improve business performance. Minimum Requirements Must have Sea Freight experience. Relevant qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain, Shipping or Freight Forwarding preferred. Minimum 5 years' experience within sea freight or logistics. Previous experience leading or supervising a sea freight forwarding team. Strong knowledge of sea freight imports and exports, including FCL and LCL shipments. Working knowledge of sea freight, customs processes, shipping documentation and Incoterms. Proven success in business development and new customer acquisition. Strong understanding of freight pricing, costing and profitability. Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills. Experience using freight forwarding, ERP, CRM or transport management systems. Excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving abilities. Advantageous Existing network of logistics and freight forwarding industry contacts. Experience servicing sectors such as mining, engineering, manufacturing, construction or energy. Experience with CargoWise or similar freight forwarding platforms. Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport. Ideal Candidate Profile You are: Commercially driven and results-focused. Equally comfortable leading operations and securing new business. A hands-on leader who takes ownership and accountability. Customer-focused with strong relationship-building skills. Skilled at identifying growth opportunities and improving profitability. Able to thrive in a fast-paced logistics environment. What's on Offer? Opportunity to lead and grow a freight forwarding division. Exposure to local and international logistics operations. Ability to influence business growth and strategic direction. Dynamic environment with strong career development opportunities. Please consider your application as unsuccessful should you not receive a response within 14 days of submitting your application. Katlego Motsugi: LinkedIn -