Description
IMPORT & EXPORT CONTROLLER
Location: Mount Edgecombe, Durban
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: Market Related / Negotiable based on experience
Our client is looking for an experienced Import & Export Controller to join their team in Mount Edgecombe, Durban.
The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and controlling the movement of international cargo, managing import and export shipments from booking through to final delivery, and ensuring that all documentation, customs and operational requirements are handled accurately and efficiently.
This is a hands-on position suited to someone with solid clearing and forwarding / freight forwarding experience, particularly strong practical import experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage import and export shipments from booking through to final delivery.
- Coordinate containerised, break-bulk and project cargo.
- Prepare and check shipping and import/export documentation.
- Prepare Bills of Lading, manifests, commercial invoices, packing lists and customs-related documentation.
- Coordinate with shipping lines, freight forwarders, clearing agents and transport companies.
- Liaise with international clients and provide regular shipment updates.
- Track containers and monitor shipment progress.
- Coordinate and monitor clearing and forwarding activities.
- Ensure customs and port requirements are met.
- Work with clearing agents regarding customs entries and shipment releases.
- Monitor warehouse entries, removals in bond and export entries.
- Identify and resolve documentation discrepancies, delays and operational issues.
- Monitor demurrage, detention and other shipping-related costs and escalate where necessary.
- Maintain accurate shipment records and ensure documentation is properly filed and available for audit purposes.
- Provide regular shipment status updates to management and clients.
- Ensure shipments progress within required deadlines and agreed service levels.
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 3--5 years' hands-on experience in Import & Export / Shipping / Freight Forwarding.
- Strong practical import experience is essential.
- Experience with both imports and exports.
- Solid understanding of clearing and forwarding procedures.
- Practical knowledge of:
- Warehouse entries
- Removal in Bond
- Export entries
- Customs and port procedures
- Shipping documentation
- Experience dealing with shipping lines, clearing agents, freight forwarders and transporters.
- Experience handling containers, break-bulk and/or project cargo.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong communication and client liaison skills.
- Ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously and work under pressure.
- Good computer literacy and Microsoft Office skills.
- Experience with ACS or a similar freight/logistics system will be advantageous.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be an experienced and technically competent Import & Export Controller who understands the full international shipment process and can manage shipments proactively rather than simply perform administrative tasks.
You must be confident dealing with shipping lines, clearing agents, freight forwarders, transporters and international clients, and have the ability to identify potential problems and resolve or escalate them before they impact delivery.
You should be organised, reliable, detail-oriented and able to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are critical.
