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 companys 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 companys 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

Bachelors 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.