Cape Town City Centre: Commercial Controller – Sea Freight (Exports & Imports)

February 24, 2026 Jobs in Cape Peninsula

Cape Town Region

Transport / logistics / warehouse

Job Description

The Commercial Controller will take responsibility for compiling, managing, and maintaining sea freight quotations across both export and import shipments. This role requires a strong understanding of sea freight cost structures, carrier pricing, and full shipment cost build-ups. The successful candidate must be confident in preparing competitive quotations, negotiating rates with shipping lines, and ensuring margin accuracy. This is a commercially focused role within a freight forwarding environment — not purely operational support. Key Responsibilities Prepare and manage sea freight export and import quotations independently. Compile full cost build-ups including carrier charges, transport, documentation, and related services. Maintain updated rate sheets and ensure pricing accuracy. Negotiate and liaise directly with shipping lines to secure competitive rates. Build and maintain strong working relationships with ocean carriers. Monitor market rate fluctuations and carrier developments. Ensure correct contract numbers and carrier allocations are applied. Support margin protection and commercial decision-making. Coordinate with operations and finance to ensure pricing integrity and profitability. Minimum Requirements Solid experience in sea freight exports and imports within freight forwarding. Proven experience compiling and managing quotations. Strong understanding of carrier rate structures and pricing dynamics. Experience working directly with shipping lines. Commercial awareness with understanding of margin. High attention to detail in costing and pricing accuracy.

How to Apply

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About Transport / logistics / warehouse Jobs in Cape Town Region

The transport, logistics, and warehouse sector in the Cape Town region is an essential component of South Africa’s economy, with a growing demand for skilled professionals to manage the movement of goods and supplies. Typically, this industry experiences steady growth due to the expansion of international trade and e-commerce, as well as increasing domestic consumer spending. As a result, job opportunities in this sector are generally plentiful, particularly in areas such as supply chain management, transportation coordination, and warehouse operations.

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When it comes to salary expectations, broad ranges can be expected across various roles in the transport, logistics, and warehouse industry. Typically, salaries vary depending on factors like experience, company size, and industry sector. For example, entry-level positions may fall within a range of R30 000 – R50 000 per annum, while senior management or specialist roles can command higher salaries, often ranging from R80 000 – R150 000 per annum. However, it’s essential to note that actual salaries can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances.

Common skills required for roles in the transport, logistics, and warehouse industry include strong organisational and communication skills, attention to detail, and basic mathematical and analytical capabilities. Other essential skills may include proficiency in transportation management software, knowledge of safety protocols, and experience with inventory management systems. Many employers also place a high value on technical certifications, such as a National Diploma in Logistics or a Transport Manager’s Qualification.

Industries commonly employing transport, logistics, and warehouse professionals include financial services sector, technology industry, manufacturing sector, and e-commerce companies. In Cape Town, this can also include sectors such as retail, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. These industries often require skilled staff to coordinate the movement of goods, manage inventory levels, and ensure timely delivery.

For those interested in a career in transport, logistics, or warehouse management, there are numerous opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Typically, roles can progress from operations coordinator to senior manager, with further qualifications and experience leading to specialist positions such as supply chain manager or logistics director.

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This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

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