Commercial Manager (Shipping)

Are you an experienced, confident and commercially driven professional with strong expertise in the South African shipping industry? If so, you could be the person we’re looking for to join our team in Cape Town.

As Commercial Manager (Shipping), you will be responsible for leading commercial development, expanding our customer base, and strengthening relationships with importers, exporters, and key industry stakeholders. You will utilize your extensive shipping background, market knowledge, and established network to drive growth and ensure exceptional service delivery.

Duties will include:

·       Developing and executing commercial strategies to expand business within the shipping and logistics sector.

·       Identifying new opportunities and pursuing business with local importers, exporters, and partners.

·       Maintaining and strengthening relationships with existing customers and stakeholders.

·       Monitoring market trends, cargo flows, and developments across all South African ports.

·       Working closely with operations and internal teams to ensure high‑quality, customer‑focused service delivery.

·       Representing the company during client meetings, negotiations, and industry events.

·       Preparing commercial proposals, pricing structures, and performance reports.

What we’re looking for:

•        Minimum 10 years of shipping industry experience, with in depth knowledge of:

•        All major South African ports

•        Vessel operations

•        Various cargo commodities

•        Proven history of sales and business development success.

•        Strong, confident, and assertive personality with excellent commercial acumen.

•        A solid network of contacts and established relationships with importers and exporters in South Africa.

•        Strong communication skills with a key focus on service excellence.

•        Above average written and verbal communication skills in English.

•        Proficient in Microsoft Office products.

Skills & Qualifications

•        Educational Qualification: Minimum Grade 12

•       Professional Qualification: Not required, but shipping or sales‑related qualifications will be an advantage

If you think you have what it takes to become part of GAC’s team in Cape Town, we look forward to receiving your application.

Please note that as well as working to recruit staff members via GAC channels, GAC does use third-party recruiters to recruit for specific positions within the Group. Please do however, be aware of unaffiliated recruiters purporting to represent GAC that ask for payment in return for facilitating interviews. A genuine third-party recruiter working with GAC will never ask for payment to facilitate an interview. If you would like to make an application to join GAC, please always ensure to apply through our official channels on https://career.gac.com/ or our LinkedIn listing.