Estimator (Freight Forwarding & Logistics)

Estimator (Freight Forwarding & Logistics)

Location: Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
Employment type: Permanent, full-time, on-site
Industry: Freight Forwarding / Logistics / Shipping
Reports to: Commercial Manager / General Cargo Manager

About the role

Thrive People & Strategy is recruiting on behalf of a freight forwarding and logistics operation based in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. We are looking for a highly organised, analytical and customer-focused Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive and commercially viable quotations across import, export, airfreight, seafreight and road freight. You will work closely with the Sales, Operations and Key Account teams, balancing pricing accuracy, profitability and turnaround time. Reports to the Commercial Manager / General Cargo Manager.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse customer enquiries, shipment requirements and supporting documentation to prepare accurate quotations
• Prepare competitive estimates for import, export, airfreight, seafreight, road freight and value-added logistics services
• Calculate freight costs, duties, surcharges and operational expenses accurately
• Ensure quotations include correct routing, transit times, Incoterms, surcharges and commercial terms
• Obtain and negotiate competitive rates from shipping lines, airlines, transporters, agents and logistics suppliers
• Monitor carrier rate updates and market fluctuations, keeping supplier pricing current in the estimating system
• Respond promptly to customer quotation requests and recommend cost-effective routing and pricing options
• Support Sales with pricing for tenders and new business, and follow up outstanding quotations
• Liaise with Operations to confirm quoted services are achievable, and hand over successful quotations
• Monitor margins, identify commercial risks before quotations are issued, and review completed shipments for quotation accuracy and profitability
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready quotation records and pricing schedules in the CRM and TMS
• Ensure compliance with company pricing policies, SOPs and international freight forwarding practices, and keep customer and supplier pricing confidential
• Prepare quotation activity, turnaround and conversion reports

Minimum requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Finance or a related field
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in Freight Forwarding, Logistics or Transport Planning
• Proven previous estimating or pricing experience (Estimator or Pricing Coordinator preferred)
• Experience using a CRM and/or Transport Management System (CargoWise or similar advantageous)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Sound understanding of freight forwarding operations, Incoterms and import/export procedures
• Ability to interpret carrier tariffs and freight pricing
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

Advantageous

• Freight Forwarding qualification

Competencies

Strong analytical and numerical ability, attention to detail, negotiation, commercial awareness, planning and organisation, time management, problem-solving, multitasking, team player, accountable and reliable.