Estimator (Trainee)

 Estimator (Trainee)

Location: Cape Town
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00
Salary: R15,000 – R18,000 CTC per month
Employment Type: Permanent, subject to a six-month probation period
Work Arrangement: Office-based

About the Company

Our client is an established freight forwarding and customs clearing company providing logistics solutions to businesses locally and internationally. They are looking for a motivated individual to join their team and develop a career within the freight and logistics industry.

About the Role

This is an entry-level development opportunity for someone with strong numerical, analytical and organisational skills who is interested in building a long-term career in freight forwarding, client relationship management and sales.

No previous estimating experience is required, as full training will be provided on CargoWise, rate sourcing, Incoterms, freight processes and company pricing guidelines.

The successful candidate will initially focus on preparing accurate freight estimates and managing the estimate process, with the opportunity to progress into an independent Estimator role and ultimately a client-facing Sales Representative position, based on performance and business requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate freight estimates using CargoWise, company rates and service provider information.
• Request rates from preferred service providers and agents.
• Ensure client requirements and shipment information are fully understood before preparing estimates.
• Review estimates for accuracy, pricing, commercial risk, assumptions and exclusions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date estimate registers and records.
• Ensure estimates are completed within agreed turnaround times.
• Follow up with clients on submitted estimates and record outcomes.
• Communicate regularly with clients regarding estimate requests and updates.
• Identify opportunities to upsell or cross-sell additional services.
• Apply quality-control procedures to all estimates.
• Investigate discrepancies and resolve issues proactively.
• Stay informed about customs regulations, trade requirements and industry developments.
• Work closely with the General Manager, service providers, agents and internal teams.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent.
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy; Mathematics preferred.
• Strong numerical and analytical ability.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• No prior estimating experience required – full training will be provided.

Advantageous

• Qualification or studies in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Maritime Studies or a related field.
• Exposure to freight forwarding, customs clearing, imports/exports or logistics.
• Previous internal sales or customer service experience.
• Valid driver's licence and own vehicle.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is highly detail-oriented, numerically strong and eager to learn. You should be comfortable working with data and deadlines, enjoy solving problems and have excellent communication skills.

Most importantly, this role is suited to someone who is coachable, ambitious and genuinely interested in developing a career in sales and client relationship management within the logistics industry.

Career Progression

This role offers a structured development path:

0–12 months: Estimator (Trainee) – comprehensive training and development.
12–24 months: Estimator – increased independence and client exposure.
24+ months: Potential progression into Sales Representative, including ownership of a client portfolio and sales targets, subject to performance and a suitable vacancy.