SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
The company seeks an experienced and highly organised National Shipping Manager to oversee and manage all international shipping operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end international shipping operations (sea freight), from supplier dispatch through to warehouse delivery
- Coordinate with global suppliers, shipping lines and freight forwarders.
- Negotiate freight rates, contracts, and service agreements with shipping lines and third-party logistics providers
- Monitor vessel schedules, cargo movements, and shipment timelines to ensure on-time delivery
- Oversee customs clearance processes, ensuring compliance with South African regulations
- Liaise with customs authorities, port authorities, and relevant regulatory bodies
- Manage all shipping documentation including Bills of Lading, invoices, packing lists, and clearance documentation
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of shipping-related payments and disbursements (including duties, VAT, and port charges)
- Maintain shipment cost tracking, reconciliations, and reporting per consignment
- Identify and mitigate risks related to delays, port congestion, or compliance issues
- Manage relationships with transporters to ensure efficient container collection and delivery to warehouses
- Oversee cargo releases and ensure all documentation is in place for timely container collection
- Develop and implement shipping strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Provide regular reporting on shipping performance, costs, delays, and KPIs
- Lead, mentor, and manage any shipping or logistics team members
- Stay up to date with global shipping trends, regulations, and best practices
Requirements
- Relevant tertiary qualification in either Logistics, Supply Chain, or Maritime Studies will be advantageous
- Knowledge of port operations (especially Durban and Cape Town Ports)
- Experience with working on Ship Shape.
- Proven experience in a senior shipping, logistics, or supply chain role (minimum 8-10 years)
- Leadership or team management experience
- Strong knowledge of international shipping, sea freight, and import processes
- Solid understanding of customs procedures and South African import regulations
- Experience negotiating with shipping lines and logistics service providers
- Financial acumen with experience managing shipping costs, budgets, and reconciliations
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple shipments simultaneously
Additional information
This role is critical in ensuring the seamless movement of goods from global suppliers to the various South African ports.
The National Shipping Manager takes ownership of the full shipping lifecycle — from supplier coordination and freight negotiation to customs clearance and final delivery — ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance at all stages.
Place of work: JHB, CPT or DBN
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:15 – 16:30
There is no hybrid option – it is a 100% in-the-office-job
Salary: Market related
Benefits:
- Company Cell Phone
- Company Laptop and accessories
- Provident Fund (10% of the monthly basic salary divided into 3.5% employee contribution and 6.5% employer contribution.)
- Company Uniform
