Commercial Executive - Logistics Solutions

 

 

Position: Senior Commercial Executive – Logistics Solutions

Location: Bellville, Cape Town (Open to relocation candidates but no relocation costs will be

covered)

Industry: Logistics | Freight Forwarding

Salary: Very negotiable based on proven experience

 

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Executive to lead the commercial function

within a dynamic logistics business specialising in export and supply chain solutions.

This executive-level role is responsible for developing and executing the company's commercial

strategy, leading supplier and carrier negotiations, ensuring the commercial viability of logistics

solutions, and maintaining strategic relationships with shipping lines, transport providers and key

service partners.

The successful incumbent will play a critical role in driving profitability, improving supplier

performance, optimising logistics costs and contributing to the overall strategic direction of the

business. This position forms part of the senior leadership team and works closely with Executive

Management to ensure commercial excellence across the organisation.

 

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement the company's commercial strategy in alignment with overall

business objectives.

• Provide strategic commercial guidance to Executive Management.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance profitability, operational efficiency

and customer value.

• Develop commercial policies, procedures and governance frameworks.

• Identify opportunities to improve business performance and increase competitive

advantage.

Strategic Supplier & Carrier Management

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with shipping lines, transport providers, cold

stores and other logistics partners.

• Lead high-level commercial negotiations relating to freight rates, contracts, rebates, service

agreements and capacity commitments.

• Evaluate supplier performance against agreed service levels and contractual obligations.

• Identify alternative service providers and benchmark market pricing to ensure commercial

competitiveness.

 

 

 

• Secure sufficient carrier and supplier capacity to support seasonal and operational

requirements.

 

Commercial Pricing & Profitability

• Oversee the commercial pricing function to ensure quotations are accurate, competitive and

profitable.

• Analyse market trends, freight costs and operational expenses to develop commercially

sustainable pricing models.

• Review customer profitability and recommend pricing improvements where required.

• Ensure company rate structures remain aligned with market conditions and business

objectives.

• Provide commercial insight and financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.

Contract & SLA Management

• Negotiate, implement and manage commercial contracts and Service Level Agreements

(SLAs).

• Ensure contractual compliance by both internal stakeholders and external service providers.

• Manage supplier rebates, commercial claims and account reconciliations.

• Resolve complex commercial disputes while maintaining long-term business relationships.

• Facilitate regular strategic review meetings with key logistics partners.

Operational Commercial Oversight

• Provide commercial oversight of export documentation and House Bills processes to

minimise operational and financial risk.

• Ensure documentation is completed accurately and within agreed timelines.

• Monitor freight recoveries and revenue optimisation.

• Support operational teams in resolving commercial challenges impacting customer service.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor and develop the Commercial team to achieve operational excellence.

• Foster a high-performance culture built on accountability, collaboration and continuous

improvement.

• Manage workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning and employee development.

• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to support employee growth.

• Promote a culture of integrity, professionalism and customer service excellence.

Executive Contribution

 

 

 

• Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting and business forecasting.

• Develop meaningful commercial reporting and performance dashboards for Executive

Management.

• Monitor key commercial KPIs and implement corrective actions where required.

• Represent the company within industry forums and maintain strong external stakeholder

relationships.

• Champion sound corporate governance and compliance with company policies and industry

best practices.

 

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business

Management or a related field.

• A postgraduate qualification or MBA would be advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years' commercial leadership experience within logistics, freight forwarding,

shipping or supply chain.

• Proven experience negotiating strategic agreements with shipping lines, logistics providers

and transport partners.

• Strong background in commercial pricing, contract negotiation and profitability

management.

• Experience within fresh produce, agricultural exports or perishable logistics will be highly

advantageous.

• Demonstrated experience leading high-performing commercial teams.

• Experience contributing at senior leadership or executive level.

Technical Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of freight forwarding, export logistics, shipping line operations and

supply chain management.

• Strong understanding of commercial contracts, SLAs and supplier relationship management.

• Sound financial acumen with experience in pricing, budgeting and profitability analysis.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and commercial reporting skills.

• Knowledge of ERP or logistics management systems.

 

Core Competencies

 

 

 

• Strategic Leadership

• Commercial & Financial Acumen

• High-Level Negotiation Skills

• Supplier Relationship Management

• Business Development & Commercial Growth

• Analytical & Critical Thinking

• Decision Making

• Planning & Organising

• Influencing & Stakeholder Management

• Team Leadership & Coaching

• Customer Focus

• Problem Solving

• Change Management

• Integrity & Professionalism

 

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Achievement of commercial profitability targets

• Cost optimisation through strategic supplier negotiations

• Commercial competitiveness of customer pricing

• Supplier and carrier performance against agreed SLAs

• Improvement in gross margins

• Effective management of commercial risk

• Team engagement and development

• Operational efficiencies and process improvements

• Executive contribution to strategic business objectives

• Customer satisfaction and long-term supplier relationships

 

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong commercial judgement and strategic thinking.

 

 

 

• Exceptional negotiation and influencing ability.

• A collaborative and servant leadership style.

• High levels of integrity and accountability.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• A proactive, solutions-driven mindset.

• The ability to remain composed under pressure while making sound commercial decisions.

• A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering measurable business results.