Agricultural Goods Logistics Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks an Agricultural Goods Logistics Specialist to ensure efficient movement of fresh produce and inputs from farms to distribution centers, markets, and processing facilities. The role requires hands-on management and a strong understanding of perishables and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will optimize routes, manage carrier relationships, monitor temperature control, and collaborate with procurement and sales to balance supply and demand.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, or related field.
• 3+ years of logistics experience, preferably in agricultural or food supply chains.
• Strong understanding of transporting perishable goods and related regulations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage transportation of fresh produce and agricultural supplies, ensuring product integrity and timely delivery.
• Optimize delivery routes and schedules considering harvest times, demand, and weather.
• Coordinate with farmers, packhouses, and transport providers for smooth logistics operations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP) and transport regulations.
• Negotiate transportation rates with freight carriers and manage carrier relationships.
• Monitor goods during transit, including temperature control for perishables.
• Maintain records of shipments, delivery times, and costs.
• Identify and implement process improvements to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Respond to and resolve logistical disruptions; collaborate with procurement and sales to align logistics with demand.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural producer and supplier in the scenic Stellenbosch region of the Western Cape, is seeking a dedicated Agricultural Goods Logistics Specialist. This role is vital for ensuring the efficient and timely movement of fresh produce and agricultural inputs from farms to distribution centers, markets, and processing facilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the unique logistical challenges within the agricultural sector, including temperature control, perishability, and seasonal demand fluctuations. You will be responsible for optimizing routes, managing carrier relationships, and ensuring compliance with food safety and transport regulations. This position is based in Stellenbosch and requires a hands‑on approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage the transportation of fresh produce and agricultural supplies, ensuring product integrity and timely delivery.
• Optimize delivery routes and schedules, considering factors such as harvest times, demand, and weather conditions.
• Coordinate with farmers, packhouses, and transport providers to ensure smooth logistics operations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety standards (e.g., HACCP) and transportation regulations.
• Manage relationships with freight carriers and negotiate transportation rates.
• Monitor the condition of goods during transit, including temperature control for perishable items.
• Maintain accurate records of shipments, delivery times, and associated costs.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and cost‑effectiveness of agricultural logistics.
• Respond to and resolve any logistical issues or disruptions that may arise.
• Collaborate with procurement and sales teams to align logistics with supply and demand.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in logistics, preferably within the agricultural or food supply chain sector.
• Strong understanding of the challenges associated with transporting perishable goods.
• Knowledge of relevant food safety and transport regulations.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in logistics software and MS Office Suite.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the Stellenbosch and Western Cape agricultural landscape is a significant advantage.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual performance incentives.
• Opportunity to work within the vibrant agricultural industry of the Western Cape.
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Training and development opportunities in agricultural logistics.
• A role that directly contributes to the successful delivery of fresh, quality produce.