Senior Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 77,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a senior Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker to manage Kimberley operations for a global logistics provider. You will oversee international and domestic shipments, ensure compliance, and optimize cargo movements.

Lead and mentor junior staff, negotiate carrier rates, build client relationships, and stay current with customs regulations affecting the Northern Cape region. This role offers autonomy and exposure to global trade, with development opportunities within a

Qualifications

• 7+ years in freight forwarding and customs brokerage, with senior/supervisory experience.
• Expert knowledge of international trade regulations and tariff classifications.
• Experience with air, sea, and road freight forwarding operations.
• Strong negotiation and client relationship skills.
• Excellent shipping documentation and compliance knowledge.
• Experience with customs brokerage software and freight management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; professional certification desirable.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with Kimberley logistics landscape is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end freight forwarding processes for air, sea, and road transport, internationally and domestically.
• Prepare shipping documentation: bills of lading, waybills, and customs declarations.
• Serve as primary contact for customs clearance with authorities.
• Negotiate rates with carriers and service providers.
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients.
• Oversee tracking and tracing of shipments and provide updates.
• Identify and mitigate risks in freight forwarding and customs clearance.
• Mentor junior staff in freight forwarding and customs.
• Stay informed about changes in trade laws affecting the region.
• Drive continuous improvement in freight operations.

Skills

Freight forwarding

Customs brokerage

International trade regulations

Negotiation

Client relationship management

Shipping documentation

Leadership

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Education

Freight forwarding / customs brokerage certification

Tools

Customs brokerage software

Freight management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized logistics and supply chain solutions provider, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker to manage their operations in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This senior role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of international and domestic freight forwarding, including cargo management, documentation, and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. You will be instrumental in managing complex shipments, fostering relationships with clients and international partners, and driving efficiency within the freight forwarding department. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of customs procedures, import/export regulations, and a proven ability to navigate the complexities of global trade. This is a pivotal position for a seasoned professional in the logistics field.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end freight forwarding processes for air, sea, and road transport, both internationally and domestically.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of all necessary shipping documentation, including bills of lading, waybills, and customs declarations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customs clearance, liaising directly with customs authorities and ensuring full compliance with all regulations.
• Negotiate rates with carriers and service providers to ensure competitive pricing and optimal service delivery for clients.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key clients, understanding their shipping needs and providing tailored solutions.
• Oversee the tracking and tracing of shipments, providing clients with regular updates on cargo status.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with freight forwarding and customs clearance processes.
• Mentor and guide junior freight forwarders and customs staff, fostering professional development.
• Stay informed about changes in international trade laws, customs tariffs, and transportation regulations impacting the Northern Cape region and beyond.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the freight forwarding and customs brokerage functions.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in freight forwarding and customs brokerage, with a significant portion in a senior or supervisory capacity.
• Proven expertise in international trade regulations, customs clearance procedures, and tariff classifications.
• In-depth knowledge of air, sea, and road freight forwarding operations.
• Strong negotiation and client relationship management skills.
• Excellent understanding of shipping documentation and compliance requirements.
• Experience with customs brokerage software and freight management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Professional certification in freight forwarding or customs brokerage is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with the Kimberley, Northern Cape logistics landscape is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package reflecting the seniority of this role, along with potential performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• You will have the opportunity to lead a key department within a well-respected international logistics company.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities are encouraged.
• Join a team that values expertise and contributes significantly to global trade, based in the strategically important Kimberley hub.
• This role provides significant autonomy and the chance to shape the future of freight operations in the region.