About the position
An international leader in the Clearing & Forwarding industry is seeking an experienced Ocean Freight Import Controller to join their team in Durban.
This is an excellent opportunity for a customer-focused Ocean Imports professional who thrives in a fast-paced freight forwarding environment. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for planning, coordinating and managing Ocean Import shipments from initial booking through to final delivery, while delivering exceptional client service and ensuring profitable, compliant operations.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 (Freight Forwarding qualification, SDS or similar advantageous)
- CargoWise experience
- Minimum 3 years' experience in an Ocean Imports Controller/Client Service Controller role within Clearing & Forwarding
- Sound understanding of:
- Incoterms
- Ocean Import tariffs, practices and processes
- Customs legislation and clearance procedures
- Third-party governing body requirements
- Strong Microsoft Office and Excel skills
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Highly organised with strong time management abilities
- Able to work under pressure and manage multiple shipments simultaneously
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Understanding of accounting principles (debits/credits), international currencies and currency codes
- Must be based in Durban or surrounding areas
Key Responsibilities
- Manage Ocean Import shipments from booking through to final delivery
- Plan and coordinate imports to meet client requirements and delivery deadlines
- Provide proactive, professional communication to clients throughout the shipment lifecycle
- Track and trace shipments while ensuring milestones are achieved
- Ensure complete and accurate CargoWise data capture and documentation
- Liaise with origin offices, customs, transporters, warehouses, shipping lines and internal departments
- Coordinate customs examinations, inspections and cargo releases where required
- Process cargo dues, creditor invoices and payments
- Negotiate freight rates where required
- Ensure timely customs clearance by obtaining all required documentation
- Manage job costing, profitability and accurate billing within KPI deadlines
- Resolve client and operational queries efficiently
- Maintain compliance with company SOPs and regulatory requirements
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and team meetings
- Ensure comprehensive handovers prior to leave and maintain accurate client records
Salary between R30,000 - R35,000 CTC per month, depending on experience (negotiable).
If you have solid Ocean Imports experience, strong CargoWise knowledge and enjoy working in a customer-focused freight forwarding environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Desired Skills:
- Imports
- Ocean freight
- Cargowise
