Africa District Commercial Manager at ZIM Integrated Shipping Services

Description

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Commercial Management (40%)

• Develop and execute the commercial strategy for Eastbound and Westbound trades within the district with direction from BU .
• Analyze trade statistics, commercial performance, and market trends to identify opportunities and propose corrective or proactive actions.
• Define and implement allocation, pricing, and segmentation strategies in coordination with Business Unit and Line Managers.
• Drive initiatives to optimize vessel utilization and enhance overall line profitability.
• Contribute to the development of inland haulage activities to and from landlocked countries.
• Represent the district in discussions with Cargo Flow, Sales, and Head Office units.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer and market data for the region.

Performance Monitoring and Optimization (40%)

• Monitor vessel allocation, cargo mix, and line performance to ensure revenue and utilization targets are achieved.
• Review and approve pricing, demurrage, detention, and deposit waiver requests within authorized limits.
• Identify commercial gaps and develop corrective action plans to meet budgeted targets.
• Coordinate with Line Cargo Flow and Operations on issues affecting trade performance, including transshipment and weight optimization.
• Manage key customer relationships and oversee VIP and strategic accounts.
• Produce weekly, monthly and quarterly management reports on commercial and statistical activity to track progress and guide decision-making.

Team Leadership and Collaboration (20%)

• Lead, mentor, and develop African Agency commercial managers across A5 Africa  
• Promote effective communication and collaboration between commercial, operations, and logistics teams.
• Challenge and monitor each country’s commercial performance against set objectives.
• Champion the implementation and adoption of Group Digital Systems to enhance customer experience and internal efficiency.
• Foster a high-performance, customer-oriented culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Master’s degree or MBA is an advantage.
• Minimum of 7–10 years’ experience in commercial or sales management within the shipping or logistics industry.
• Proven track record of managing regional or multi-country teams.
• Strong knowledge of the African shipping and inland logistics market.
• Demonstrated understanding of pricing, allocation, and revenue optimization processes.
• Fluent in English language