Shipping & Logistics Clerk- Johannesburg

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced and highly organised Shipping & Logistics Clerk to join our Shipping & Logistics team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end coordination and administration of international shipments, from placing orders with foreign suppliers through to shipment tracking, clearance, chasing delivery and final receipt. This responsibility includes capturing costings of local orders.

This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate with solid international shipping, imports via air and sea freight experience who is comfortable working with foreign suppliers, freight forwarding agents and internal suppliers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Placing and coordination of international purchase orders.
• Create and maintain shipment files and ensure all relevant documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Verify purchase orders and supplier order confirmations, ensuring that quantities, product codes, pricing and other details are accurate.
• Liaise with international suppliers regarding orders, ready dates, documentation and shipment requirements.
• Coordinate with freight forwarding agents to obtain bookings and collate the required documentation for shipment and customs clearance.
• Track international shipments and maintain accurate shipment information and ETA’s on SAP.
• Coordinate with the Receiving Department to ensure the timely delivery and receipt of international and local orders.
• Report shortages, damaged goods and discrepancies to suppliers and relevant parties and resolve as soon as possible.
• Ensure timely receipt of forwarder documentation, checking and verifying costs thereof.
• Process shipment costings and maintain accurate records.
• Follow up proactively on delays, late shipments, back orders and outstanding deliveries.
• Assist with supplier payment preparation, including obtaining and sending proof of payment where required.
• Obtain airfreight, courier and other freight quotations and arrange collections when required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date filing of all shipping and logistics documentation.
• Provide regular updates to relevant stakeholders regarding shipment status and potential delays.
• Perform general shipping and logistics administration and other duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• A Diploma or qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Imports/Exports or a related field will be advantageous.
• 2–3 years' relevant experience in shipping, imports, logistics or a similar environment.
• Proven experience working with foreign suppliers and freight forwarding agents.
• Experience with import documentation and customs/shipment clearance processes.
• Experience with shipment tracking, ETA management and delivery coordination.
• Experience with shipment costing and checking freight charges.
• Experience with processing and checking purchase orders, supplier confirmations and invoices.
• MS Excel and MS Word proficiency is essential.
• Experience using SAP or another ERP system is essential.
• Experience with a Warehouse Management System (WMS), preferably Qwix, will be advantageous.
• Customer service and supplier liaison experience.
• Good negotiation and problem-solving skills.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate will demonstrate

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong follow-up and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of tasks.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers, freight forwarders, warehouse teams and management.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive approach to identifying and resolving shipping and delivery issues.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for someone who understands the full shipping and import process, is comfortable dealing with freight forwarding agents and international suppliers and takes ownership of shipments from order placement through to clearance and delivery.

If you have strong shipping/import experience, excellent attention to detail and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, we would like to hear from you.