Cross-border Logistics Operations Manager

Shiprazor; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics company is looking for an experienced cross border logistics operations professional in South Africa. The successful candidate will manage the day-to-day execution of express shipments, coordinate with various partners, oversee shipment lifecycles, and ensure compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates have 4-7 years of experience in international air freight, excellent communication skills, and a meticulous approach to operations. The position is based in Cape Town or Johannesburg, with a focus on providing fast, reliable service.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of operations experience in international airfreight or time‑critical logistics.
• Solid understanding of international air cargo procedures and customs regulations.
• Hands-on experience with air waybills and cargo handling systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and process discipline.

Responsibilities

• Manage door-to-door operational execution for international shipments.
• Coordinate with airlines and freight forwarders to ensure on-time uplift.
• Oversee the full shipment lifecycle from pickup to delivery.
• Prepare and verify all export and import documents as required.
• Ensure compliance with security and customs regulations.

Skills

Operations experience in international airfreight

Understanding of international air cargo procedures

Experience with air waybills and customs clearance

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Tools

TMS/operational systems

Spreadsheets

Job description

Shiprazor is hiring an experienced cross border logistics operations professional to own day‑to‑day execution of express and time‑critical shipments moving cross‑border in and out of South Africa. The role suits a hands‑on operator who understands end‑to‑end international air cargo/express processes and can work closely with overseas partners, freight forwarders, airlines, ground handlers, and customers to deliver fast, reliable service.

Key responsibilities

• Manage door‑to‑door operational execution for international express and time‑critical air shipments, including booking, routing, documentation, and handover to first/last‑mile partners.

• Coordinate with airlines, Freight forwarders, ground handlers, warehouses, customs brokers, and overseas agents to ensure capacity, on‑time uplift, and quick recovery in case of irregular operations.

• Oversee the full shipment lifecycle (export and import) from pickup to final delivery, proactively monitoring milestones and resolving exceptions such as delays, offloads, or documentation issues.

• Prepare and verify all export/import documents: AWBs/MAWBs/HAWBs, manifests, commercial invoices, packing lists, security declarations, and customs documentation as required for international movements.

• Ensure strict compliance with international airline, airport, security, and customs regulations, including handling of restricted, high‑value, and sensitive cargo.

• Manage daily communication with customers and international partners on shipment status, issue resolution, and operational queries, providing clear and timely updates.

• Work closely with the sales team to assess operational feasibility, transit times, routings, and capacity options for new and existing cross‑border business.

• Maintain accurate data in internal systems, including shipment details, costs, milestones, and performance metrics across multiple trade lanes.

• Monitor and drive key operational KPIs: on‑time uplift, on‑time delivery, lead time adherence, incident rates, and service recovery times for international shipments.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives in processes, SOPs, and technology adoption to increase speed, reliability, and scalability of international express operations.

Experience and skills

• 4–7 years of operations experience in international airfreight, courier/express, or time‑critical logistics, with strong exposure to cross‑border export and import processes.

• Solid understanding of international air cargo procedures, capacity booking, cut‑off times, transit hubs, interline connections, and airport/ground handling operations.

• Hands‑on experience with air waybills, airline and GSA portals, cargo handling systems, and international customs clearance workflows.

• Strong grasp of Incoterms, international trade documentation, and key customs/security requirements for air cargo.

• Proven track record in managing exceptions and service recovery across multiple countries and time zones in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.

• Comfortable using TMS/operational systems, spreadsheets, and communication tools; able to work with tech teams to flag issues and suggest improvements.

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with clear, calm customer‑facing style when dealing with both local and international stakeholders.

• Strong attention to detail, process discipline, and ability to juggle multiple shipments and priorities across several trade lanes simultaneously.

Personal attributes

• Self‑starter who takes ownership end‑to‑end and does not wait to be told what to do.

• Calm under pressure, with a solutions mindset when facing flight cancellations, delays, customs holds, or documentation challenges.

• Operationally meticulous but pragmatic, able to balance speed, service, compliance, and cost in an international context.

• Team player who collaborates closely with sales, product, and global partner networks.

• Willing to work flexible hours or on‑call during peak periods or for critical international moves across time zones.

Location

• Base: Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa.