Import and Export Controller

takealot.com; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online retailer in South Africa is seeking an Import and Export Controller in Cape Town to manage the logistics process for international shipments. The role involves ensuring compliance with regulations, providing client support, and maintaining strong relationships. Candidates should have a diploma in logistics and 3-5 years of freight forwarding experience, along with excellent communication skills and proficiency in related software.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in freight forwarding, with both import and export experience.
• Strong knowledge of Incoterms, customs procedures, and international trade regulations.
• High level of proficiency with Excel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact for assigned client accounts.
• Provide accurate quotations and cost estimates.
• Liaise with clients regarding shipment status and documentation requirements.

Skills

Excellent communication and client service skills

Strong prioritization and time management skills

Problem-solving mindset with ability to work under pressure

Education

Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Tools

CargoWise

MS Office/Google Suite

Job description

Overview

takealot.com, South Africa's leading online retailer, is looking for a highly talented Import and Export Controller to join our team in Cape Town.

We are a young, dynamic, hyper growth company looking for smart, creative, hard-working people with integrity to join us. We offer a market related, Total Remuneration Package which allows full flexibility according to your needs, a great work environment and a promise that you won’t be bored as long as you are prepared for a challenge and want to build something great.

This role is critical in managing the end-to-end logistics process for international shipments, ensuring compliance with regulations, and delivering exceptional service to our clients while supporting growth and service excellence within TFS Freight forwarding.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact for assigned client accounts
• Provide accurate quotations and cost estimates
• Resolve operational issues and client queries promptly
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Ensure all processes comply with IATA, IMO, and local regulations
• Collaborate with warehouse, transport, and customs teams
• Process and input shipment data into freight forwarding systems
• Prepare and review shipping documentation (AWB, BOL, commercial invoices, packing lists)
• Maintain accurate records of shipment status and tracking information
• Monitor vessel/flight schedules and notify clients of arrival updates
• Liaise with clients regarding shipment status and documentation requirements
• Coordinate with shipping lines, airlines, and logistics partners
• Ensure all documentation complies with international trade regulations
• Coordinate with suppliers and exporters for cargo collection and delivery
• Support month-end reporting and reconciliation processes

Minimum required experience & qualifications

• Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• 3-5 years in freight forwarding, with both import and export experience
• Experience with freight forwarding software systems (CargoWise)
• Strong knowledge of Incoterms, customs procedures, and international trade regulations
• Proficiency in freight-forwarding and customs clearance systems/software
• High level of proficiency with MS Office/Google Suite packages with advanced proficiency in Excel

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Excellent communication and client service skills
• Ability to go beyond what is expected
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong prioritization and time management skills
• Comfortable with change and excellent collaborator
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to work under pressure

The Environment

• Takealot.com employees are entrepreneurial and dynamic, customer-centric, fun, and share the ambition of being the leading e-commerce company in Africa.
• We have fun, work hard, take ownership, work in teams to create solutions, and are open to direct feedback and new ideas on where we can improve.
• We are low on ego and high on output.
• We are doers and not only thinkers; execution matters.
• We love what we do and what we are creating.
• We seek to employ an Extra Ordinary Mind who is smart, has integrity, and is hardworking.

If you meet the above you are an Extraordinary Mind, so come and join us!

Takealot Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from the previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities, to apply.

Note: This description reflects the current requirements of the role and may be subject to change as the business needs evolve.