[Hiring] Trade Lane Manager @Smart Workforce Solutions

Role Description

We are seeking a commercially driven International Trade Lane Manager with a proven background within a freight forwarding agency environment. This role focuses on the growth and development of strategic international freight corridors and global agency networks. This is a highly relationship-focused role requiring a deep understanding of agency-to-agency logistics, international routing, and trade lane development. The successful candidate will act as the intermediary between international customers, global freight partners, and stakeholders to identify new opportunities and support revenue growth.

Note: This role is strictly focused on international freight forwarding and cross-trades; it is not suited for domestic South African road freight or in-house logistics management.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Global Agency & Relationship Management
  • Build and maintain commercial relationships with international freight forwarding partners and global stakeholders.
  • Act as the primary commercial contact for assigned international accounts and agency networks.
  • Nurture long-term partnerships to support sustainable business growth and "agent-controlled" shipments.
• Business Development & Trade Lane Growth
  • Identify and develop new business opportunities within assigned global trade lanes.
  • Introduce freight forwarding and logistics services to prospective international clients and partners.
  • Work closely with internal teams to manage margins and support onboarding for new international freight corridors.
• International Forwarding Operations Support
  • Maintain a master-level understanding of international forwarding concepts including:
    • Import / Export / Cross-trade (Foreign-to-Foreign) routing
    • FCL / LCL / Air Freight
    • Incoterms 2020 (FOB, EXW, DDP, CFR, etc.)
  • Monitor global market trends, carrier activity, and international logistics developments.
• CRM & Commercial Administration
  • Track all partner communication and opportunities within HubSpot CRM or equivalent systems.
  • Maintain an accurate pipeline and provide updates on trade lane activity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience strictly within the International Freight Forwarding industry.
• Proven experience in Trade Lane Coordination or International Business Development.
• Deep expertise in Cross-border supply chains and International routing principles.
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to manage the sales cycle from lead to onboarding.
• Experience using HubSpot CRM or similar platforms (Salesforce, SAP, etc.).
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Requirements

• Strong experience with Cross-trade / Foreign-to-Foreign shipments.
• Exposure to APAC or Australian logistics markets.
• An existing network of international freight forwarding agents and partners.

Technical Requirements

• Own laptop suitable for full-time professional use.
• Stable and reliable high-speed internet connection.
• Backup power supply.
• Dedicated home office workspace.

Package & Remuneration

• Salary: R35,500 per month (non-negotiable).

Interested?