Shipping & Logistics Clerk

SUMMARY:
Shipping & Logistics Clerk - Jhb

POSITION INFO:
Job Spec:
 
Our reputable Foodservice Equipment client based in Johannesburg is currently seeking an experienced Shipping & Logistics Clerk to join its Shipping & Logistics team.
 
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• The successful candidate will take ownership of the end-to-end coordination and administration of international shipments, from placing orders with foreign suppliers through to shipment tracking, customs clearance, delivery follow-up and final receipt.
• The role also includes capturing costings for local orders.
• This position requires an organised and detail-focused shipping professional with practical experience in international imports by air and sea freight. The successful candidate must be confident working with foreign suppliers, freight forwarding agents, warehouse teams and internal stakeholders.

• International Orders and Supplier Coordination
• Place and coordinate international purchase orders.
• Verify purchase orders and supplier order confirmations, including quantities, product codes, pricing and other order details.
• Liaise with international suppliers regarding orders, ready dates, shipment requirements and supporting documentation.
• Follow up proactively on back orders, late shipments, outstanding deliveries and supplier-related delays.
• Assist with supplier-payment preparation, including obtaining and sending proof of payment where required.
• Freight Forwarding and Import Coordination
• Coordinate international imports by air and sea freight.
• Liaise with freight forwarding agents to obtain bookings and collate all documentation required for shipment and customs clearance.
• Obtain airfreight, courier and other freight quotations.
• Arrange freight and courier collections when required.
• Track international shipments and maintain accurate shipment information and estimated arrival dates on SAP.
• Coordinate with the Receiving Department to support the timely delivery and receipt of international and local orders.
• Escalate and resolve shipment delays, customs-clearance issues and other shipping-related problems.
• Shipment Documentation and Costing
• Create and maintain complete shipment files.
• Ensure that all supporting shipment documentation is accurate, complete and up to date.
• Manage and verify import documentation and customs or shipment-clearance requirements.
• Ensure the timely receipt of documentation from freight forwarding agents.
• Check freight-forwarder charges and supporting documentation for accuracy.
• Process shipment costings and maintain accurate supporting records.
• Capture and process costings relating to local orders.
• Check purchase orders, supplier confirmations, invoices and freight charges for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain organised, accurate and up-to-date filing of all shipping and logistics documentation.
• Delivery, Discrepancy and Stakeholder Management
• Report shortages, damaged goods and order discrepancies to suppliers and relevant stakeholders.
• Follow up and ensure that shortages, damages and discrepancies are resolved promptly.
• Provide regular shipment-status updates to relevant internal stakeholders.
• Communicate potential shipment or delivery delays timeously.
• Deliver responsive customer service and professional supplier liaison.
• Work closely with suppliers, freight forwarding agents, warehouse teams, the Receiving Department and management.
• Perform general shipping and logistics administration.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Grade 12 / Matric is essential.
• A Diploma or qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Imports and Exports or a related field will be advantageous.
• Qualification certificates must accompany the CV.
• Experience and Technical Requirements
• Minimum 2–3 years’ relevant experience in shipping, imports, logistics or a similar environment.
• Proven practical experience coordinating international imports by air and sea freight.
• Proven experience working directly with foreign suppliers.
• Proven experience working with freight forwarding agents.
• Experience managing import documentation and customs or shipment-clearance processes.
• Experience tracking international shipments.
• Experience managing estimated arrival dates and coordinating deliveries.
• Experience processing shipment costings.
• Experience checking and verifying freight charges.
• Experience placing, processing and checking purchase orders.
• Experience checking supplier order confirmations and invoices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is essential.
• Experience using SAP or another ERP system is essential.
• Experience using a Warehouse Management System, preferably Qwix, will be advantageous.
• Customer-service and supplier-liaison experience.
• Good negotiation, coordination and problem-solving skills.