Export Services Manager

HRExec; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

HRExec in Durban seeks an experienced Export Logistics Manager to lead end-to-end international shipping operations for a South African manufacturer. You will coordinate sea/air/road freight, ensure compliance with hazardous goods regulations, mentor the Export Administration team, and collaborate with Export Sales to support cost control and service excellence.

The role requires 5–10 years in export management and a relevant degree, with strong ERP skills and proven supervision capability.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Export Management, International Trade, Business Management or related field.
• 5–10 years' relevant experience in export management, logistics or international supply chain operations.
• Experience managing sea, air and road freight.
• Strong working knowledge of hazardous goods transportation and applicable regulations.
• Experience with export documentation, compliance requirements and freight forwarders.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Strong computer literacy and experience with ERP, logistics or export management systems.
• Good financial aptitude and understanding of logistics cost management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end export logistics process from order placement through to final customer delivery
• Coordinate sea, air and road freight to ensure export orders are dispatched and delivered in line with customer requirements
• Ensure export documentation, licenses, registrations and records are accurate, complete and compliant
• Maintain compliance with applicable hazardous goods and international transportation requirements
• Lead, mentor and develop the Export Administration team while monitoring team KPIs and service standards
• Provide operational and logistical support to Export Sales and act as a senior escalation point for export-related customer issues
• Manage freight forwarders, carriers, customs agents and other logistics service providers, including performance and cost control
• Coordinate an international warehouse and logistics activities remotely
• Monitor export freight and logistics costs and support accurate cost allocation, forecasting and commercial decision-making
• Investigate export-related SHEQ complaints and non-conformances and drive corrective and preventative actions
• Drive continuous improvement, systems optimisation, shipment tracking and process efficiency across the export function

Skills

Export management

Logistics leadership

Hazardous goods knowledge

Cost management

ERP systems

Team mentoring

Education

Diploma or degree in Logistics or related field

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Our client is a well-established South African manufacturer specialising in high-performance coatings and chemical solutions for industrial and commercial applications. With a strong focus on quality, technical expertise and customer service, the business serves customers across both local and international markets. They offer a professional and safety-focused environment

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end export logistics process from order placement through to final customer delivery
• Coordinate sea, air and road freight to ensure export orders are dispatched and delivered in line with customer requirements
• Ensure export documentation, licenses, registrations and records are accurate, complete and compliant
• Maintain compliance with applicable hazardous goods and international transportation requirements
• Lead, mentor and develop the Export Administration team while monitoring team KPIs and service standards
• Provide operational and logistical support to Export Sales and act as a senior escalation point for export-related customer issues
• Manage freight forwarders, carriers, customs agents and other logistics service providers, including performance and cost control
• Coordinate an international warehouse and logistics activities remotely
• Monitor export freight and logistics costs and support accurate cost allocation, forecasting and commercial decision-making
• Investigate export-related SHEQ complaints and non-conformances and drive corrective and preventative actions
• Drive continuous improvement, systems optimisation, shipment tracking and process efficiency across the export function
• Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Export Management, International Trade, Business Management or a related field
• 5–10 years' relevant experience in export management, logistics or international supply chain operations
• Proven experience managing sea, air and road freight
• Strong working knowledge of hazardous goods transportation and applicable regulations
• Experience managing export documentation, compliance requirements and freight forwarders
• Previous experience in a supervisory or management capacity
• Good financial aptitude and understanding of logistics cost management
• Strong computer literacy and experience with ERP, logistics or export management systems

Advantageous Experience

• Experience within the chemical, resin, coatings, composites or other hazardous-product industries
• Experience with North American logistics and distribution
• Experience managing remote warehouse operations
• Dangerous Goods / Hazmat certification
• Formal customs, export compliance or international trade training
• Experience with SARS export requirements and audits
• Experience implementing logistics systems or process improvements