The Shipping & Receiving Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and controlling the inbound flow of raw materials and outbound flow of finished goods. The role ensures shipments are accurate, properly documented, and compliant with UAE customs and free-zone regulations, and acts as the key liaison between the plant, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal departments (Production, Warehouse, Procurement, and Sales).
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and coordinate daily inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring alignment with production schedules and customer delivery dates.
- Prepare and verify all shipping documents, including delivery notes, packing lists, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and Bills of Lading/Airway Bills.
- Coordinate customs clearance procedures with brokers and freight forwarders for import/export shipments through UAE ports (e.g., Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port) and free zones (e.g., JAFZA, KEZAD).
- Receive incoming raw materials and components; verify quantities and condition against purchase orders and delivery notes, and report discrepancies or damages.
- Coordinate with the Warehouse team to ensure timely put-away of received goods and staging of outbound shipments.
- Operate a forklift to load and unload trucks/containers, move raw materials and finished goods within the yard and warehouse, and position pallets for storage or dispatch, in compliance with safe operating procedures.
- Conduct routine pre-use forklift inspections (tires, forks, hydraulics, warning devices) and report any faults or maintenance needs promptly.
- Liaise with transport companies and freight forwarders to book trucks, containers, and courier services at competitive rates.
- Maintain accurate shipping and receiving records in the ERP/WMS system, ensuring stock movements are recorded in real time.
- Track shipment status and proactively communicate delays or issues to internal stakeholders and customers.
- Ensure compliance with UAE import/export regulations, Dubai Customs/Federal Customs Authority requirements, and any applicable Free Zone Authority rules.
- Support monthly and year-end physical stock counts and cycle counts, reconciling variances with the Warehouse and Finance teams.
- Maintain organized filing (physical and digital) of shipping documents for audit and traceability purposes.
- Identify opportunities to reduce freight costs and improve turnaround times, and support continuous improvement initiatives within the logistics function.
Qualifications, Experience, & Skills
- Basic education; no specific diploma or certificate required.
- Minimum 2–4 years of experience in a shipping, receiving, or logistics coordination role, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial environment in the UAE/GCC.
- Working knowledge of UAE customs procedures, free zone documentation, and Incoterms.
- Proficiency in ERP/WMS systems and Microsoft Excel; Sage experience is an advantage.
- Valid UAE forklift operating license/certification is required (or must be obtained within the probation period).