Vacancy - Freight Forwarding Controller

The company is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Freight Forwarding Controller to coordinate the forwarding movement of import and export shipments within a fast-paced freight forwarding environment.

The successful candidate will liaise with clients, shipping lines, and internal stakeholders to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of cargo.

The successful candidate is expected to identify and develop new freight forwarding and export opportunities, promoting the company's shipping and logistics capabilities to prospective customers.

Employment Equity candidates will be given preference in line with company policy.

Key responsibilities

 1. Operations

• Coordinate sea, air, and road freight shipments from origin until cargo is loaded and in transit.
• Manage cargo bookings, routing, shipment tracking, and delivery schedules.
• Obtain a complete set of shipping documents from suppliers, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin (where applicable), and ensure a complete file is handed over to the clearing controller.
• Liaise with shipping lines and regulatory authorities.
• Ensure compliance with customs regulations, import/export requirements, and international trade practices.
• Negotiate freight rates and monitor shipping costs, detention, and demurrage in conjunction with the clearing controller.
• Resolve shipment delays and other operational challenges.

2. Business development and sales

• Promote the company's freight forwarding, shipping, and export services to existing and prospective customers.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to grow forwarding, export, and logistics volumes.
• Develop and maintain relationships with customers, shipping lines, transport providers, and industry stakeholders.
• Prepare freight quotations and assist customers with suitable shipping and logistics solutions.
• Follow up on leads and enquiries and actively seek new business opportunities within the import, export, and logistics sectors.
• Assist in achieving departmental growth objectives through excellent customer service and business development initiatives. 

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12.
• 5 to 8 years' experience in freight forwarding, shipping, imports/exports, or logistics.
• Strong understanding of international shipping processes and customs procedures.
• Experience working with shipping lines, customs brokers, and transport providers.
• Sound knowledge of incoterms and import/export documentation.
• Sea freight experience is essential.
• Previous sales, customer relationship management, or business development experience will be advantageous.
• Candidate is to be based in Durban and must live within the eThekwini district

Skills and competencies

• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Strong communication, negotiation, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
• Commercially minded with the ability to identify and develop business opportunities.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines.

Posted on 08 Jun 12:13, Closing date 7 Aug