General Manager (Freight Forwarding & International Trade)

General Manager (Freight Forwarding & International Trade) POS26253

Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng

Salary: R1,2 -1,5 pa

Reporting Line: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Direct Reports: Full Operational, Financial, Sales, and Support Teams (Entire company structure)

 

Position Purpose

The General Manager will assume complete operational, financial, and strategic responsibility for the company. This role demands a seasoned logistics executive who can seamlessly bridge the gap between high-level financial strategy and day-to-end freight operations.

As the primary link between ownership and execution, you will lead a multidisciplinary team to optimize supply chain efficiencies, drive commercial growth, ensure strict fiscal management, and maintain absolute compliance within the international trade and customs landscape.

 

 

Minimum Education & Experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification is highly advantageous (e.g., B.Com in Logistics/Supply Chain, Financial Management, or Business Administration).
• Strictly minimum 8 years of experience within the Freight Forwarding and Import/Export sector, with at least 5 years in a senior management capacity (GM, Operations Director, or similar).
• Deep understanding of the South African logistics landscape, specifically surrounding OR Tambo International Airport and the Gauteng industrial hubs.
• Proven experience managing multi-million Rand budgets, interpreting complex financial statements, and driving cost-reduction initiatives.
• Exceptional proficiency in industry-standard freight software (e.g., CargoWise, Compu-Clearing, or similar multi-module enterprise systems).
• Strong practical understanding of customs tariffs, duties, incoterms, and clearing processes.
• A dynamic, decisive leader who thrives under pressure and takes extreme ownership of business outcomes.
• High Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The ability to communicate transparently, build trust with a diverse workforce, and lead with empathy while maintaining strict performance standards.
• Strategic Visionary: Capable of seeing the "big picture" while ensuring the day-to-day operational details are executed flawlessly.

 

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

Strategic & Financial Leadership

• P&L Ownership: Full accountability for the company’s Profit and Loss, budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance.
• Working Capital & Margin Control: Monitor operational costs, optimize margins on freight forwarding/clearing services, manage cash flow, and oversee debt collection strategies.
• Commercial Growth: Collaborate with the sales team to secure high-value accounts, negotiate freight rates with shipping lines and carriers, and expand the company’s market footprint.

 

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• End-to-End Supply Chain Management: Oversee all import, export, air freight, ocean freight, warehousing, and road transport activities.
• Customs & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure absolute adherence to SARS Customs regulations, ITAC requirements, and international trade laws, minimizing risk and demurrage exposure.
• Process Optimization: Standardize operational workflows, implement robust standard operating procedures (SOPs), and leverage freight management software to maximize productivity.

 

Team Management & High-EQ Leadership

• Organizational Leadership: Direct, mentor, and build a cohesive, high-performing team across all departments (Operations, Finance, Sales, HR, and Logistics).
• Performance Culture: Implement clear KPIs, foster accountability, and identify skill gaps to build a strong talent pipeline within the business.
• Conflict Resolution: Act as the final escalation point for complex client, supplier, or operational disputes.

Stakeholder & Network Management

• Global Agent & Supplier Relations: Maintain and develop strong relationships with global forwarding networks, shipping lines, airlines, and local transport sub-contractors.
• Key Account Retention: Engage directly with top-tier clients to ensure exceptional service delivery and long-term partnership retention.

 

Closing Date: 30 June 2026

 

Please consider your application unsuccessful if you do not receive feedback within 21 working days. Your data privacy is important to us; our process is fully POPIA compliant to keep your information secure

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