Estimator

SUMMARY:
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.

POSITION INFO:
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.