Freight Sales Account Executive
Description
Specialty Sales; Field Sales; GSP Management; Field/ Territory Sales; Supply Chain; Domestic/ Local Coverage for EG/ ER; Sales Calls; Customer Acquisition & Retention; Pre-Sales; Customer Proposal Creation; Pricing Proposal; Account Activation; Post-Sales; Competition Monitoring
Field Sales Lead (International Freight Forwarding)
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Employment Type: Full-time
Role Overview
We are looking for a high-performing commercial strategist and proactive "hunter" to lead our market expansion in Gauteng. In this critical role, you will be the primary architect of end-to-end international shipping solutions, bridging the gap between local Johannesburg businesses and global trade lanes.
Leveraging Johannesburg’s strategic position as South Africa’s primary economic hub and inland logistics 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.
What You Will Do
Strategic Market Expansion: Proactively identify and secure high-value field sales opportunities across key industry verticals within the Greater Johannesburg 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, inland rail/road corridor integrations, and major air cargo hubs.
Portfolio Leadership: Manage and grow an established geographic portfolio 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 air market volatility, freight rate trends, terminal congestion mitigation strategies, 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, inland logistics, and forwarding mechanics as clearly as they understand a sales pipeline.
Freight Forwarding Experience: A minimum of 4 years of progressive, proven Field Sales experience specifically within the International Freight Forwarding sector.
Local Geographic Mastery: A strong, existing network and deep familiarity with the business landscape of commercial and industrial hubs
Technical Acumen: Mastery of Incoterms 2020, customs clearing procedures, bonded movements, and South African regulatory frameworks (SARS/Customs) would be advantageous.
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 & Inland Hub Optimization: Expertise in optimizing transit times, container consolidation
Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of freight costing structures, local terminal and handling charges, landside movement surcharges, disbursement management, and margin maximization.
Local Engagement & Impact: Proactive communication style with the ability to build immediate rapport, foster transparency, and gain buy-in from diverse local business decision-makers—from commercial headquarters in Sandton/Rosebank to large industrial operations on the East Rand.
Digital Savvy: PCRM 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 in South Africa's commercial capital, with the autonomy to implement your unique sales strategy.
Global Infrastructure: Use our world-class global network and carrier relationships to empower Gauteng businesses to scale effortlessly on the world stage.
Ready to lead the future of field sales in Johannesburg? Apply now to join our team!
Presentation Skills;Influencing & Persuasion Skills;Negotiation Skills;Written & Verbal Communication Skills;Networking Skills
FedEx 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
FedEx is one of the world's largest express transportation companies and has consistently been selected as one of the top 10 World’s Most Admired Companies by "Fortune" magazine. Every day FedEx delivers for its customers with transportation and business solutions, serving more than 220 countries and territories around the globe. We can serve this global network due to our outstanding team of FedEx team members, who are tasked with making every FedEx experience outstanding.
Our Philosophy
The People-Service-Profit philosophy (P-S-P) describes the principles that govern every FedEx decision, policy, or activity. FedEx takes care of our people; they, in turn, deliver the impeccable service demanded by our customers, who reward us with the profitability necessary to secure our future. The essential element in making the People-Service-Profit philosophy such a positive force for the company is where we close the circle, and return these profits back into the business, and invest back in our people. Our success in the industry is attributed to our people. Through our P-S-P philosophy, we have a work environment that encourages team members to be innovative in delivering the highest possible quality of service to our customers. We care for their well-being, and value their contributions to the company.
Our Culture
Our culture is important for many reasons, and we intentionally bring it to life through our behaviors, actions, and activities in every part of the world. The FedEx culture and values have been a cornerstone of our success and growth since we began in the early 1970’s. While other companies can copy our systems, infrastructure, and processes, our culture makes us unique and is often a differentiating factor as we compete and grow in today’s global marketplace.