Project Estimator M/F

	Project Estimator M/F

General informations

  With the group’s expertise of more than 50 years of experience and a continuous presence on the African continent, Africa Global Logistics South Africa provides end-to-end solutions with in-depth knowledge of the legal and cultural diversities specific to each country. Our powerful integrated global network and sustainable solutions enable innovative and flexible designs in their execution.

AGL South Africa is your gateway throughout Africa, facilitating freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing and distribution activities for many multinational companies.

Job description

Mission Description                      

Job Purpose:
Ensure all estimate requests are completed and submitted within the required time and covering all scopes of work.
Support internal and external project activities and translate customer needs into a comprehensive and competitive response to ensure that AGL is awarded the business.

Job Function:
Summary of Job Function:
• Assist Internal and external sales on all modes of transport by receiving and handling RFQ (request for quote and RFI (request for Information) from prospective and current customers.
• Negotiate rates with AGL preferred subcontractors in accordance with the scope of work and Incoterms.
• Assist with obtaining information from AGL subcontractors and network in order to provide the customer with the best solutions for the required scope of work.
• Gather requirements from the customer, suggest alternative methods, contingencies, insurance cover and routing etc. and transfer successful sales to the Middle Office.
• Assist team with commercial visits to customers whenever needed to explain the rates offer and work method i.e., Scope of Work.
• Keep all rates & the validity on file for reference purposes with middle office & customers.

Rate procurement, Quotation Module & Estimates
• Handle required rate negotiations with AGL subcontractors. Should we need more aggressive pricing the Estimator must involve the Head of Middle Office for Road, Sea/Air freight Solutions.
• Conduct rate analysis to identify best rate (price and quality).
• Generate estimates on the AGL Group quotation model or the prescribed Customer schedule.
• Submit estimates in accordance with approved rates, showing a comparison between the buying and selling rates to determine the Gross Margin percentage.
• Monitor success of estimates and tenders submitted and update the quotation module.
• Complete reporting requirements where required.
• Ensure destination Country Import Procedures and regulations are taken into account when preparing the rate offer.
• Clearly define Terms and conditions, Rate Validity and Rate of Exchange used for each country in the rate offer.

 

Profile

Key Tasks and Responsibilities
• Create and send accurate estimates as requested by clients and agents, sourcing relevant rates.
• Ensure that all quotes are registered on quotation module & the outcomes of quotes are updated. on a weekly basis with regards to accepted, in progress, lost, sent and to follow up.
• Hand all new business over to operations. The handover to include the completed estimate, rate sheet/ work sheet and the original customer enquiry and all other relevant documentation.
• Ensure all buying and selling rates are logged and instructions have been provided in writing on which subcontractors / AGL office the rate offer is based on.
• For long term projects a meeting is to be set up between Project Estimator, Commercial Manager and Operations. Depending on the Scope of Work i.e., once off this can be done via email.
• Compile the rate offer for Project Tenders in accordance with a Tender Rate template or customer supplied template. This rate template must be allocated a AGL Quotation reference number and be uploaded into the system.
• Ensure that estimate requests from new clients that are not registered on the AGL system are sent to the Commercial team as leads.
• Ensure that existing client contact details are correct and up to date in the Quotation module.
• Assist other sections, when required, with identifying suitable hauliers for specific work they may be quoting on.
• Ensure that records are kept of rates to ensure competitive mark-ups are applied and negotiate best rates with the airline and shipping lines, road transporters and any other relevant service provider required
• Any other delegated tasks deemed as reasonable as assigned by the reporting manager

General
• Deal Directly with customers either by telephone or electronically
• Obtain and evaluate all relevant information to handle enquiries
• Understand Incoterms and various shipping terminology
• Assessing viability of business, negotiating rates, planning of scope of work
• Compile estimates according to projects/ shipment and customer /AGL requirements
• Planning response, rate negotiation, and quoting on tenders for projects
• Ensure total accuracy of all quotations submitted (to be signed off by relevant BU Managers - amounts above individual assigned value or where deemed appropriate)
• Ensure all quotations are carried out profitably
• Negotiations to be based within the AGL approved vendor lists and on quality of the service offered, as well as cost
• Communicate and coordinate with relevant internal departments
• Liaise and communicate with AGL network regularly
• Handling of general administrative tasks
• Create a positive relationship with customers and ensuring the interaction the customer has with the business is an efficient satisfying experience
• Maintain good communications with operational and administrative staff internally

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
• Matric
• 3 years estimates exp