Team Leader Freight Operations

We have an exciting opportunity for a Team Leader: Freight Operations to join our Supply Chain team!

The purpose of the role is to lead the import and export process, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timeous movement of merchandise. The role provides operational oversight, governance, and process assurance across both streams while ensuring optimal service delivery by the import and outbound clerks.

We're a fully in-office team. This role is based at our Support Centre in Kuils River, Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities: 2. Compliance management of service providers 3. Governance, oversight & quality assurance 4. Shipment planning & scheduling 5. Order validity EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Clearance and documentation
• Oversee the completion of all import clearing activities and ensure accuracy of documentation.
• Ensure receipt of shipping documents within the required timelines.
• Monitor all customs, tariffs, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure service providers meet SLA requirements
• Monitor completeness and accuracy of all required submissions and triggers.
• House bill management
• Manage any escalations or delays related to clearing submissions
• Act quickly on exceptions to reduce business risk and cost.
• Ensure accurate export documentation for all outbound shipments.
• Ensure accurate product descriptions, weights, country‑of‑origin data, and tariff codes.
• Validate export files, declarations, and invoices prepared by the outbound clerk.
• Oversee monitoring of dispatch and arrival of cartons at consolidation hubs.
• Ensure load plan accuracy and alignment to shipping schedules.
• Ensure timely communication with haulers and clearing agents.
• Ensure orders adhere to the specifications, including allowed tolerances.
• Prevent margin losses through proactive verification of order variables (cartons, dimensions, tariff headings)

Essential

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a shipping role
• Minimum of 2-3 years of retail experience in shipping logistics
• Knowledge of export into BLNE countries
• Knowledge of customs and clearing practices

Preferred

• Experience in leading a team
• Knowledge of export into BLNE countries
• Port and container management

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Essential

• A Grade 12 Certificate/Matric (with Accounting and Mathematics)

Preferred

• School of Shipping certificate/diploma
• Customs certification
• Financial diploma

JOB-RELATED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE required

• Knowledge of Customs & Tariffs
• Knowledge of air and sea freight

SKILLS required

• Strong computer literacy including intermediate excelskills
• Communication skills (verbal and written)
• Interpersonal skills, including service orientation, ability to work under pressure, high attention to detail, and deadline driven.
• Ability to coordinate a team to deliver on the overall team and business objectives
• Able to coordinate and effectively priorities large volumes of work
• Leadership, communication with the ability to motivate teams and drive performance.

At Ackermans, we’re committed to an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We believe diverse perspectives inspire innovation and invite individuals from all backgrounds to grow with us.