_{27th July, 2026}

JOB SUMMARY
Our client is recruiting a Country Manager to lead and grow its South African business. This senior leadership opportunity is suited to an experienced shipping or maritime professional with a proven track record of commercial leadership, operational excellence and financial management. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for business performance, customer relationships, vessel agency operations, business development, compliance and team leadership while delivering sustainable growth, improving financial performance and strengthening customer partnerships.

OPTIONAL VIDEO INTRODUCTION
If you decide to apply for this role, you will have the opportunity to record a short video once you have completed the screening questions.
This is your chance to briefly introduce yourself, highlight your relevant experience and explain why you would be a strong fit for the role. It also gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your communication and leadership style beyond what can be captured in a CV. Participation is entirely optional and will not affect your application if you choose not to submit a video.

ABOUT OUR CLIENT
Our client is a long established international maritime services organisation with a strong presence across multiple global markets. Known for delivering reliable support to the shipping industry, the business combines international capability with strong local expertise to help customers operate efficiently in complex maritime environments. This restructured leadership position has been created to strengthen the South African business, accelerate sustainable growth and build on an established market presence. It offers an experienced maritime leader the opportunity to make a measurable commercial and operational impact while leading a respected local team.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT
In order to be shortlisted for the vacancy, the successful candidate will have the following skills and competencies, but not limited to:

• Degree or Diploma in Maritime, Logistics, Business or a related discipline.
• 8 to 10 years' experience within the shipping or maritime industry.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior management leadership role.
• Proven experience managing full P&L responsibility.
• Demonstrated success delivering sustainable business growth.
• Strong operational leadership experience within the shipping or maritime industry.
• Proven business development experience with responsibility for growing existing business and increasing vessel nominations.
• Experience managing budgets, cash flow and financial performance.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with customers, shipping lines, port authorities, regulators and suppliers.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience coaching, developing and leading high performing teams.
• Ships Agency experience will be advantageous.
• Experience improving operational excellence, customer satisfaction and debt management will be highly regarded.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The role responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Develop and execute the South African business strategy aligned with regional and global objectives.
• Drive sustainable revenue growth, profitability and market share.
• Strengthen existing customer relationships and increase vessel nominations.
• Identify new commercial opportunities and lead business development initiatives.
• Lead contract negotiations and commercial activities.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure safe, efficient and high quality service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with maritime regulations, company policies and operational standards.
• Assume full responsibility for the South African P&L.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, costs, cash flow and profitability.
• Drive improvements in financial performance and working capital.
• Oversee debt collection and Disbursement Account management.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, shipping lines, port authorities, regulators, suppliers and industry stakeholders.
• Lead, coach and develop approximately 16 employees across South Africa.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer focus and continuous improvement.
• Deliver sustainable business growth.
• Improve financial performance and cash flow.
• Drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Please be advised that only shortlisted candidates with the specific skills and experience required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role will be contacted for an interview by one of our consultants. Thereafter, a detailed job description will be made available for discussion before CVs are submitted to our client for review.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE
A market related salary based on the level of responsibility for this role is on offer. Benefits include, 22 days annual leave, Company laptop and mobile phone plus Pension and Medical aid.

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