Sales Account Executive – Freight

Overview

Sales Account Executive – Freight Jobs in Cape Town, South Africa at FedEx

Overview

Position Overview

We are looking for a high-performing commercial strategist and proactive “hunter” to lead our market expansion in the Western Cape. In this critical role, you will be the primary architect of end-to-end international shipping solutions, bridging the gap between local Western Cape businesses and global trade lanes. Leveraging Cape Town’s strategic position as a primary maritime and aviation gateway, you will focus exclusively on driving revenue through Sea Freight (LCL/FCL) and Air Freight forwarding solutions
. You will inherit and aggressively expand a vital local portfolio covering key industrial and commercial nodes, including Paarden Eiland, the CBD, Maitland, and the Airport precinct.

What You Will Do

• Strategic Market Expansion:
  Proactively identify and secure high-value field sales opportunities across key industry verticals within the Cape Town metropolitan area, turning cold leads into long-term partners.
• Solution Architecture:
  Design complex, end-to-end international supply chain solutions, leveraging your expertise in global ocean carrier networks and air cargo hubs.
• Portfolio Leadership:
  Manage and grow an established geographic portfolio (Paarden Eiland, CBD, Maitland, Airport, etc.), ensuring continuous account retention, up-selling, and achievement of regional financial targets.
• Advisory & Compliance:
  Act as a trusted consultant for clients, providing data-driven insights on ocean/air market volatility, freight rate trends, blank sailings, port congestion mitigation, and trade compliance.
• High-Stakes Negotiation:
  Lead commercial negotiations for long-term service agreements (SAs) and spot-quotes, ensuring optimal margins while maintaining a highly competitive value proposition.

What You Will Bring

We need a pure “hunter” with the technical depth of an operations expert—someone who understands clearing and forwarding mechanics as clearly as they understand a sales pipeline.

• Freight Forwarding

  Experience:

  A minimum of four years of progressive, proven Field Sales experience specifically within the International Freight Forwarding sector.

• Modal Specialization:
  Deep technical expertise in Sea Freight (Import/Export, FCL/LCL) and Air Freight operations. (

  Note:

  Road and rail transport proficiency is not required for this role).

• Local Geographic Mastery: A strong, existing network and deep familiarity with the business landscape of Cape Town’s primary commercial/industrial zones (Paarden Eiland, CBD, Maitland, Airport, etc.).
• Technical Acumen:
  Mastery of Incoterms 2020, customs clearing procedures, marine insurance, and South African regulatory frameworks (SARS/Customs).
• Education:

  A Bachelor’s degree or industry-specific diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or a related commercial field.

Core Competencies & Attributes

• Trade Lane Optimization:
  Expertise in optimizing transit times, container consolidation, and routing via the Port of Cape Town (Container Terminal) and Cape Town International Airport (Cargo Terminal).
• Financial Acumen:
  Strong understanding of freight costing structures, local port/handling fees, disbursement management, and margin maximization to protect regional financial targets.
• Local Diplomacy & Impact:
  Proactive communication style with the ability to build immediate rapport, foster transparency, and gain buy-in from diverse local business owners—from boutique importers in the CBD to large industrial operations in Paarden Eiland.
• Digital Savvy:
  Proficiency in modern Freight Management Systems (FMS), CRM pipeline tracking, and leveraging data analytics to identify freight volume trends and market fluctuations.

Why Join Us?

• Driving Innovation:
  We move the industry forward through advanced digital tracking, carbon-offset logistics solutions, and streamlined digital documentation.
• Impactful Growth:
  Take ownership of a mature, high-potential territory with the autonomy to implement your unique sales strategy.
• Global Infrastructure:
  Use our world-class global network and carrier relationships to empower Western Cape businesses to scale effortlessly on the world stage.

Ready to lead the future of field sales in Cape Town? Apply now to join our team!

Presentation Skills;
Influencing & Persuasion Skills;
Negotiation Skills;
Written & Verbal Communication Skills;
Networking Skills

Fed Ex was built on a philosophy that puts people first, one we take seriously. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and we are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce in which we enforce fair treatment, and provide growth opportunities for everyone.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth or a related medical condition), physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Our Company

Fed Ex is one of the world’s largest express…

Title: Sales Account Executive – Freight

Company: FedEx

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

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