Freight Manager

Findojobs South Africa; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A fruit breeding and exporting company in South Africa is seeking a Logistics Coordinator. You will manage operations from packhouse to international receivers, lead the operations team, and drive continuous improvements. Applicants should have at least 5 years of experience in Sea & Air freight within the perishable industry and strong negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in Sea & Air freight within the Perishable industry.
• Minimum 2 years management experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations from packhouse/farm to international receiver.
• Lead and support operations team to resolve roadblocks.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Sea & Air freight experience

Rate negotiations

Order management

Excellent computer literacy

Education

Senior certificate / Grade 12 / Matric

Suitable tertiary qualification

Tools

MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Netsuite

Job description

Job Description

United Exports is a fully integrated international fruit breeder, producer, and exporter specializing in pioneering new blueberry varieties. Our flagship blueberry brand, OZblu, is revolutionizing the industry and setting new global standards. Reporting to the Logistics Manager, the incumbent in this role plays a pivotal part in managing the operations from packhouse / farm to international receiver. Build and maintain relationships with service providers to secure competitive rates and consistent supply. Lead and support the operations team by resolving roadblocks. Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives on systems and processes, as well as innovation.

Key Performance Outputs

• Sea & Air supply requirements planning
• Rates negotiations
• Onboard new service providers
• Pre-season meetings with service providers, commercial, finance, and relevant teams
• Seasonal forecast to service providers
• Update and/or create new SOPs
• Formalize allocations into loading instructions
• Communicate loading instructions with load points
• Book containers with Freight Forwarder
• Check and forward Q67 to relevant parties
• Deal with operational issues during container loading
• Arrange transport from depots and load outs
• Compile Seafreight Schedule with vessel options
• Forward Shipping Instructions (SI) details to Freight Forwarder
• Capture loading notifications from dispatch documents
• Maintain all details on Seafreight Log
• Forward Loading Notifications to Freight Forwarders
• Request and manage Block Bookings
• Manage additional space requirements
• Monitor airline schedules and routing changes
• Generate addendums for PPECB stamps and send to load points
• Generate and forward Custom Invoices to Freight Forwarders
• Create File Fronts before allocations
• Execute final loading notifications and send to clients and clearing agents
• Monitor vessel ETD, ATD, ETA, and ATA; follow up on previous shipments
• Create purchase orders for shipment costs
• Check creditor invoices, sign off, and resolve discrepancies
• Benchmark service providers on service quality
• Conduct post-season review meetings
• Manage shipment processing on alternate weekends if needed
• Monitor shipment status and advise on delays/offloads
• Oversee import operations
• Investigate and identify best routes to new markets
• Manage claims
• Ensure compliance with service providers (IFS, etc.)
• Assist with budget standards and preparations
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements

Qualifications / Experience

• Senior certificate / Grade 12 / Matric
• Suitable tertiary qualification
• Minimum 5 years experience in Sea & Air freight within the Perishable industry
• Experience in rate negotiations, order management, routes, and schedules
• Minimum 2 years management experience

Functional / Technical Skills

• Excellent computer literacy: MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Systems knowledge (e.g., Netsuite)
• Knowledge of sea and air freight operations, costs, and supply chain challenges
• Well-informed on industry developments

Benefits

Details not specified.