Air Freight Operations Team Member

Job Purpose

• Manage, coordinate and support the estimating team to ensure estimates and tenders are completed within defined SLAs and with the highest degree of accuracy.
• Drive strategic engagement with suppliers to ensure market competitiveness, support volume initiatives, and align with global pricing directives.

Key Responsibilities

Estimate Management

• Oversee all aspects of pricing across air, sea, road, and cross-border freight.
• Manage and maintain the national rate database to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
• Execute end-to-end estimates across all modes of transport.
• Ensure accurate and consistent use of operating systems (CargoWise).
• Monitor, measure, and improve estimate hit ratios through data-driven insights.

Supplier & Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with airlines, shipping agents, transporters, and overseas partners to secure the most competitive rates.
• Build strong relationships with key suppliers to drive cost optimization and improved service offerings.
• Negotiate the best possible pricing and terms to maximize company profitability.

Client & Internal Collaboration

• Liaise with clients, shipping lines, port authorities, customs and other external agents to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Work closely with Operations, Commercial and Customer Service teams to ensure accurate follow-through on costing, feasibility, and customer feedback.
• Resolve escalated queries promptly and professionally.

Quality, Accuracy & Compliance

• Ensure all estimates are completed timeously and with full accuracy.
• Review and approve all cost estimates before submission for Air, Sea, Road and Over-Border freight.
• Ensure adherence to all quality, operational, and safety standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy within the estimating function.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric (Grade 12).
• Relevant tertiary qualification advantageous.
• Experience in the logistics and freight industry is essential.
• Strong business acumen and commercial understanding.
• Familiarity with customs tariffs, port charges, and Incoterms.
• Valid Code 08 driver’s license and own reliable transport.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Experience with CargoWise or similar freight management systems advantageous.

   Skills & Competencies

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Analytical thinker with a passion for numerical problem solving.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Customer-focused with excellent communication and telephone handling skills.
• Results- and target-driven with strong negotiation abilities.

Compliance

This role requires strict adherence to company standards, operational procedures and industry regulations.
You may be required to perform duties outside of your standard responsibilities due to business requirements, without additional remuneration.