Sea Freight Manager

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Liaison with Carriers: Serve as the primary point of contact for major shipping lines and carriers on key trade routes. Negotiate competitive FCL rates, secure priority space allocations, and establish the company as a preferred shipper by leveraging consistent volume and reliability. Maintain strong, long-term relationships to support operational efficiency and business growth.

• Rate Analysis and Distribution: Collect, consolidate, and benchmark FCL rates across carriers. Analyze rate structures to identify cost advantages and trends, then distribute optimized rate intelligence to sales teams, branch offices, and management. Support accurate, margin-protective quoting processes throughout the organization.

• Capacity Management and Shipment Coordination: Track vessel schedules and capacities in real time. Forecast shipping demand, proactively secure space, and optimize load allocations to reduce delays, minimize costs, and maximize vessel utilization. Oversee end-to-end FCL bookings, confirmations, and execution, coordinating with terminals, agents, and clients for smooth operations.

• Profitability and Risk Management: Ensure quotes reflect current market conditions and carrier terms. Monitor invoices versus quotes, reconcile discrepancies, recover overcharges, and implement controls to prevent margin erosion. Identify operational risks such as delays or surcharges, and develop contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions.

• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect and analyze FCL performance metrics to identify cost drivers, efficiency trends, and improvement opportunities. Prepare detailed reports and actionable recommendations to guide company-wide strategies in pricing, carrier selection, and process optimization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales, finance, and operational teams to align FCL processes with commercial objectives. Provide timely updates to clients, ensuring transparency and fostering trust to secure repeat business.

• Market Intelligence and Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of industry trends, carrier advisories, and operational developments. Recommend and implement tools, technologies, and process enhancements to increase efficiency, improve visibility, and strengthen the company’s competitive position in the market.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or International Trade. FIATA Diploma or equivalent certifications preferred.

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in sea freight forwarding, with extensive liner experience and a strong understanding of African trade lanes.

• Proven track record in rate negotiation, capacity management, and profitability improvement in freight forwarding operations.

• Solid knowledge of operational hubs such as Beira, and familiarity with carrier dynamics, regulations, and industry best practices in the region.

• Experience in managing high-volume shipments and implementing process improvements to maximize operational efficiency and margin protection.

Key Skills:

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills for complex data analysis; strong familiarity with carrier portals and freight management systems for real-time monitoring and reporting.

• Strategic and Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess risk, optimize capacity, and develop strategies to enhance profitability while ensuring operational reliability.

• Negotiation and Relationship Management: Strong capability to negotiate rates, establish preferred shipper status, and maintain long-term partnerships with carriers and clients.

• Operational Excellence: Detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities under dynamic conditions.

• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional coordination and client engagement.

• Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement: Proactive in identifying operational inefficiencies, recommending solutions, and implementing improvements to drive sustainable business growth.