Commercial Manager - Logistics & Supply Chain
Listing reference: grind_000691
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 1 September 2026
Position summary
Industry: Distribution, Transport & Logistics
Job category: Transport and Logistics Management
Location: Johannesburg
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
To drive commercial growth, customer retention and market development across the bulk commodities business by leveraging deep expertise in rail, port and logistics operations, strong knowledge of bulk commodity markets, awareness of the geopolitical and regulatory environment, and a customer-centric approach. The incumbent will develop and execute commercial strategies that maximise revenue, optimise supply chain solutions, and strengthen strategic customer relationships.
Job description
- Develop and execute the commercial strategy for bulk commodities and logistics services.
- Identify growth opportunities across rail, port, warehousing, terminal and integrated logistics solutions.
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of bulk commodity markets, customer supply chains and industry trends.
- Monitor geopolitical, economic, regulatory and trade developments that may impact commodity flows and customer operations.
- Engage with customers to understand current and future logistics requirements and develop tailored value propositions.
- Lead contract negotiations, pricing strategies and commercial agreements.
- Collaborate with operations teams to ensure service excellence and delivery against customer commitments.
- Build strategic relationships with key industry stakeholders, including customers, logistics partners, rail operators, port authorities and industry associations.
- Analyse market intelligence to identify emerging opportunities, competitive threats and changing customer needs.
- Drive customer satisfaction, retention and account growth through proactive engagement and relationship management.
Minimum requirements
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering or related field.
Experience
- Minimum 8-10 years' commercial experience within bulk commodities, logistics, supply chain, ports, terminals, rail or freight industries.
- Proven experience in business development, key account management and contract negotiation.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen.
- Demonstrated understanding of:
- Rail operations and freight logistics.
- Port and terminal operations.
- Bulk commodity handling and supply chains.
- Domestic and international trade flows.
- Transport economics and logistics cost structures
Preferred Experience
- Experience in minerals, agricultural bulk, dry bulk or liquid bulk sectors.
- Exposure to Southern African logistics corridors and port networks.
- Established industry network within shipping, rail, freight forwarding or bulk commodity sectors.
Critical Skills
- Extensive market knowledge of the bulk commodities sector.
- Strong understanding of geopolitical developments affecting commodity trade, logistics corridors and supply chains.
- Strong customer experience and relationship management capability.
- Strategic thinking and market insight.
- Advanced negotiation and influencing skills.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Ability to translate operational capabilities into customer-focused solutions. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.