About the position
Imports Coordinator
Area: Montaque Gardens, Cape Town
Salary: Negotiable around R30000 p/m plus benefits
Purpose of the position: To serve as a critical link between procurement, suppliers, logistics, warehousing, finance, and external stakeholders. The role is designed as a talent pipeline into the buying and planning function.
Key Responsibilities:
Act as the central point of coordination for all import shipments.
Liaise constantly with buyers, planners, warehouse teams (JHB, CPT, DBN), suppliers, clearing agents, and finance/accounts.
Manage shipping documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Maintain and update the master shipping schedule (a critical Excel-based tool) daily.
Track and manage all air freight and sea freight shipments, including hazardous goods (IATA).
Negotiate freight and shipping rates with agents, lines, and transporters.
Ensure accurate customs documentation (e.g., codes, Incoterms).
Prepare and manage audit documentation (SARS, internal audits, etc.).
Manage administrative and filing tasks in a paper-based system (not digital).
Independently handle queries, solve problems, and communicate clearly with all stakeholders.
Key Requirements:
Import/export knowledge: solid experience with clearing and forwarding, shipping lines, and customs processes.
Strong understanding of:
o Ecoterms
o Customs documentation
o IATA Dangerous Goods
o Freight and logistics flow
Highly skilled in:
o Microsoft Excel (formulas, updates, reporting)
o Negotiation
o Fast-paced environment: must handle high volumes of communication, emails, and shipments with accuracy and urgency.
o Comfortable with administrative tasks and manual document filing.
o Able to handle and own audits, maintain accurate records, and manage compliance risks.
o Confident decision-maker, proactive, and team-oriented.
Qualifications:
Diploma or equivalent tertiary qualification.
Preferred Experience:
Worked in clearing and forwarding, shipping lines, or a manufacturing/import/export company.
Exposure to cross-functional teams (e.g., sales, buying, planning).
Experience interacting with various time zones and supplier requirements (e.g., China, USA).
Desired Skills:
- Logistics
- Manufacturing
- Microsoft Excel
- Internal Audit
- Documentation
- Shipping
- incoterms
