Job Description

Main Purpose:
Based in Trafigura Johannesburg office, we are seeking a strategic commercial logistics specialist to join our Regional Trade Support team. This role is critical in converting monthly trade flow requirements into optimized, cost-effective transport plans that support Trafigura's trading contracts and margin objectives. The successful candidate will act as a strategic bridge between trading, execution, and logistics teams.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities, Key Responsibilities:
Monthly Volume Planning:Receive and analyze contract allocations and trade instructions for upcoming months Consolidate supplier sites, cargo readiness assessments, and trade delivery timelines Identify optimal mode, port, and routing preferences per trade

Route & Flow Design:Determine optimal transport routes per trade including direct, in-transit, road, or rail options Maintain corridor health register and flag risk-prone routes Prepare detailed lane forecasts per week and corridor

Freight Quotation & Commercial Analysis:Manage freight RFQ process with multiple freight forwarders Normalize, compare, and evaluate quotes based on cost, transit time, and value-added services Recommend most efficient and commercially favourable solutions per corridor Ensure booking recommendations align with trade margin objectives

Execution Support:Provide confirmed freight allocation plans to Logistics Coordinators Deliver comprehensive route maps, freight forwarder assignments, and SLA requirements Adjust allocations based on trade flow changes throughout the month

Experience and Qualifications
Tertiary Degree
7+ years of experience in commodities trading or similar fast-paced trading environment
Knowledge of multimodal transport (road, rail, sea, air)
Familiarity with in-transit warehouse operations
Strong negotiation and commercial evaluation skills
Competencies
Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Commercial acumen and cost optimization mindset
Key Relationships and Department Overview:Internal: Regional Traders, Execution Team, Logistics Coordinators, Trade Support teams, Trade Operations teams * External: Freight Forwarders