Estimator

An established international logistics business is seeking an experienced Estimator to join its team in Cape Town. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with a strong background in freight forwarding and clearing, who can compile accurate estimates, negotiate competitive rates and support the business development team across all transport modes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that client and prospect estimates are prepared accurately, submitted within agreed turnaround times and priced to maintain profitability. 

Duties:

• Compile accurate estimates in Excel and/or CargoWise for imports and exports across Air, Ocean and Road freight.
• Request freight, landside and other associated charges from international agents and third-party service providers.
• Ensure estimate charges align with client rates, CargoWise records and forwarding instructions.
• Conduct ongoing quality checks on estimates to ensure accuracy and compliance with client requirements.
• Submit estimates to the relevant Sales or Client Services Representative for review before being sent to clients.
• Maintain accurate records of approved estimates, supporting rates and related correspondence on CargoWise.
• Provide administrative support to the business development department and assist with negotiating global agent rates.
• Maintain client rates and ensure all rate schedules are accurate and up to date.
• Communicate buy and sell rates to the Operations team to ensure accurate pricing information is available.
• Request and negotiate rates with international agents, carriers and third-party suppliers when costs are not available on file.
• Secure competitive pricing while ensuring commercially viable profit margins.
• Compile and complete tenders according to client and agent requirements across all transport modes for imports and exports.
• Negotiate rates with carriers and agents to achieve competitive pricing and profitable margins.
• Ensure tenders are submitted within the required deadlines and follow up on outcomes to establish whether the business has secured the opportunity.
• Attend to estimate and rate queries promptly and professionally.
• Communicate pricing queries, amendments and updates to all relevant stakeholders to ensure accurate and consistent information.

Requirements:

• Matric or an equivalent Senior Certificate.
• Minimum 5 years' experience within an Estimator role in the clearing and forwarding industry. 
• Experience doing estimates for air, ocean and roadfreight across both imports and exports.
• Sound knowledge of Incoterms 2020, customs tariffs and port charges.
• High level of computer literacy, including Excel and CargoWise.