Trade Lane Manager (International Freight Forwarding)
Smart Workforce Solutions
Location: Remote – South Africa
Work Hours: Monday – Friday | 06:00 – 14:00 SAST (aligned to 12:00 – 20:00 WAST)
Role Type: Full-Time | Remote
Reports To: Commercial Manager / Director
Salary: R35,500 per month (non-negotiable)
Position Overview
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.
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
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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.
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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.
Mandatory
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.
Highly Advantageous
Strong experience with Cross-trade / Foreign-to-Foreign shipments.
Exposure to APAC or Australian logis
Technical Requirements
Own laptop suitable for full-time professional use
Stable and reliable high-speed internet connection
Backup power supply
Dedicated home office workspace
tics markets.
An existing network of international freight forwarding agents and partners.
Salary: R35,500 per month (non-negotiable)
Interested?
Only individuals with a stable internet connection, their own laptop, a suitable home office setup, and backup power should apply, as this is a remote role.
Submit your resume and supporting documents via this portal or email them to ***email_hidden***