263 Shipping Specialist jobs in South Africa

The Service Specialist will be responsible for the operations of all complex shipments allocated to them, from the initiation of transaction, right to completion through building customised import solutions for clients in various industries. The Service Team is the engine room of the business and the overall goal is to provide efficient and effective service delivery to clients.

The Service Specialist will be responsible for the following:

1. Liaising with an international pool of clients on a daily basis.
2. Planning and implementing the overall shipping strategy.
3. Managing the progress of a select number of shipments (project management) on behalf of a pool of clients.
4. Co-ordinating with various internal support teams to ensure smooth and efficient service delivery.
5. Ensuring customer satisfaction.

1. Excellent knowledge and use of Microsoft Office Applications (i.e. Word, Excel, and Outlook)
2. Excellent use of the English language, both written and verbal
3. Maintain effective daily communication with relevant team members
4. Ability to adapt within the ever-changing shipping environment
5. Organized and able to manage/co-ordinate all the elements of different high-value shipments throughout the shipment process
6. Attention to detail with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively
7. Ability to proactively identify problems in advance before a shipment becomes a pressure point
8. Creative problem-solving ability
9. Independent-thinker and resourceful
10. Energetic and enthusiastic
11. General business acumen

1. University Undergraduate Degree of any background, commerce-focus preferable
2. Honours Degree advantageous
3. Work experience advantageous
4. Strong academic track record required

Key Performance Indicators

• Coordinate international shipments of raw materials and customer-nominated parts via air, sea, and land transport.
• Manage relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics service providers.
• Ensure compliance with Incoterms and international shipping regulations.
• Optimize container utilization by consolidating shipments from multiple suppliers.
• Track and monitor shipments to ensure timely delivery and resolve any transportation issues.
• Maintain accurate shipping documentation including bills of lading, commercial invoices, and packing lists.
• Support customs clearance processes and ensure timely submission of required documentation.
• Ensure accuracy of HS codes and optimize duty payments through proper classification.
• Coordinate with internal departments such as Purchasing, Sales, and Engineering to align logistics activities with business needs.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance freight efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Analyse freight costs and identify opportunities for savings and process improvements.
• Maintain KPI’s and prepare reports on freight performance, cost, and service metrics.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in freight forwarding or international logistics, preferably in the automotive sector.
• Strong knowledge of Incoterms, HS codes, and customs procedures.
• Experience with multi-modal transport coordination.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Sales Representative to join our clients team in the freight forwarding industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in logistics, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to build and maintain client relationships. This role involves identifying new business opportunities, developing customized transportation solutions, and driving revenue growth while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Identify and pursue new business opportunities in freight forwarding services, including ocean, air, ground transportation and cross trade.
2. Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, understanding their logistics needs and providing tailored solutions.
3. Develop and deliver persuasive sales presentations to potential clients, showcasing capabilities and services.
4. Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to ensure mutually beneficial agreements.
5. Collaborate with operations, customer service, and other internal teams to ensure seamless execution of customer shipments.
6. Prepare and maintain accurate sales reports, forecasts, and client records.
7. Meet or exceed sales targets and contribute to the overall growth of the company.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Proven experience in sales, preferably within the freight forwarding or logistics industry.
2. Strong knowledge of international shipping, customs regulations, and transportation solutions.
3. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with clients at all levels.
4. Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
5. Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
6. Exceptional negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Key Performance Indicators

• Assist with freight forwarding operations
• Coordinate shipments with carriers and warehouse teams.
• Prepare and process shipping documents, such as bills of lading and commercial invoices.
• Track shipments and monitor delivery performance
• Assist with preparing customs documentation and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Stay up to date with changes in customs regulations and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders
• Work with the logistics team to resolve issues and improve processes.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma in Logistics
• Previous experience in logistics or freight forwarding would be advantageous
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks effectively