Imports Controller

AkilConnect; Umhlanga Rocks; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

AkilConnect in Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa, is seeking a Logistics/Import Specialist to manage end-to-end import operations and collaborate with international suppliers, freight forwarders, and customs authorities. You will prepare import documentation, coordinate customs clearance, and track shipments to ensure timely delivery.

The role requires Grade 12 with a related diploma/degree being advantageous, and 2–3 years’ experience in imports or logistics.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric certificate is required.
• Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Import/Export, International Trade or Freight Management is advantageous.
• Relevant customs, freight forwarding or import/export qualification is advantageous.
• Knowledge of SARS customs procedures and South African import regulations is advantageous.
• Computer literacy with MS Excel and ERP systems.
• A minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in imports, logistics, freight forwarding or supply chain administration is recommended.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end import process from placing orders through final delivery.
• Liaise with international suppliers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, clearing agents and customs authorities.
• Prepare and verify import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and certificates of origin.
• Coordinate customs clearance and ensure compliance with import regulations and company procedures.
• Track shipments, vessels and containers and monitor expected arrival dates.
• Arrange transportation from ports to warehouses or customer locations.
• Monitor and reconcile freight, customs duties, VAT, clearing and other import-related costs.
• Verify supplier and freight invoices and assist with landed-cost calculations.
• Resolve shipment delays, discrepancies, damages and documentation issues.
• Maintain accurate import records, shipment schedules and customs documentation.
• Communicate with Procurement, Finance, Warehouse, Sales and Logistics regarding incoming shipments.
• Monitor supplier and freight forwarder performance.
• Assist with import forecasting and stock planning.
• Prepare regular reports on shipments, costs, delays and outstanding documentation.
• Ensure compliance with customs, international trade and company requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs and minimise import lead times.

Skills

Org & Admin

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Multi-shipments

Problem solving

Shipping documentation

Stakeholder collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

Grade 12 / Matric certificate

Diploma or degree in Logistics/Supply Chain/Import-Export/International Trade/Freight Management

Customs/freight forwarding/import-export qualification

Knowledge of SARS customs procedures and SA import regulations

MS Excel and ERP systems literacy

2–3 years’ experience in imports/logistics/freight forwarding/SC admin

Tools

MS Excel

ERP systems

Job description

# Imports ControllerThe Employment ChannelUmhlanga, South AfricaOriginal postPosted OnOct 24, 2026DeadlineNov 07, 2026Employment TypeFull-TimeWork TypeOn-siteCompensationNot available### DescriptionDuties & Responsibilities Manage the end-to-end import process from placing orders through to final delivery. Liaise with international suppliers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, clearing agents and customs authorities. Prepare and verify import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and certificates of origin. Coordinate customs clearance and ensure compliance with import regulations and company procedures. Track shipments, vessels and containers and monitor expected arrival dates. Arrange transportation from ports to warehouses or customer locations. Monitor and reconcile freight, customs duties, VAT, clearing and other import-related costs. Verify supplier and freight invoices and assist with landed-cost calculations. Resolve shipment delays, discrepancies, damages and documentation issues. Maintain accurate import records, shipment schedules and customs documentation. Communicate with Procurement, Finance, Warehouse, Sales and Logistics regarding incoming shipments. Monitor supplier and freight forwarder performance. Assist with import forecasting and stock planning. Prepare regular reports on shipments, costs, delays and outstanding documentation. Ensure compliance with customs, international trade and company requirements. Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs and minimise import lead times. Desired Experience & Qualification Education & Qualifications Grade 12 / Matric certificate – essential. Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Import/Export, International Trade, Freight Management or a related field – advantageous. Relevant customs, freight forwarding or import/export qualification – advantageous. Knowledge of SARS customs procedures and South African import regulations – advantageous. Computer literacy with good working knowledge of MS Excel and ERP systems. A minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in imports, logistics, freight forwarding or supply chain administration is recommended. Key Skills & Competencies Strong organisational and administrative skills. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Good communication and negotiation skills. Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously. Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills. Good understanding of international shipping and import documentation. Ability to work effectively with suppliers, service providers and internal departments. Strong numerical and analytical abilities.### RequirementsIdentify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs and minimise import lead times.Desired Experience & QualificationEducation & QualificationsGrade 12 / Matric certificate – essential.Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Import/Export, International Trade, Freight Management or a related field – advantageous.Relevant customs, freight forwarding or import/export qualification – advantageous.Knowledge of SARS customs procedures and South African import regulations – advantageous.Computer literacy with good working knowledge of MS Excel and ERP systems.A minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in imports, logistics, freight forwarding or supply chain administration is recommended.Key Skills & CompetenciesStrong organisational and administrative skills.Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.Good communication and negotiation skills.Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.Good understanding of international shipping and import documentation.Ability to work effectively with suppliers, service providers and internal departments.Strong numerical and analytical abilities.### ResponsibilitiesManage the end-to-end import process from placing orders through to final delivery.Liaise with international suppliers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, clearing agents and customs authorities.Prepare and verify import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and certificates of origin.Coordinate customs clearance and ensure compliance with import regulations and company procedures.Track shipments, vessels and containers and monitor expected arrival dates.Arrange transportation from ports to warehouses or customer locations.Monitor and reconcile freight, customs duties, VAT, clearing and other import-related costs.Verify supplier and freight invoices and assist with landed-cost calculations.Resolve shipment delays, discrepancies, damages and documentation issues.Maintain accurate import records, shipment schedules and customs documentation.Communicate with Procurement, Finance, Warehouse, Sales and Logistics regarding incoming shipments.Monitor supplier and freight forwarder performance.Assist with import forecasting and stock planning.Prepare regular reports on shipments, costs, delays and outstanding documentation.Ensure compliance with customs, international trade and company requirements.Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs and minimise import lead times.Desired Experience & QualificationEducation & QualificationsGrade 12 / Matric certificate – essential.Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Import/Export, International Trade, Freight Management or a related field – advantageous.Relevant customs, freight forwarding or import/export qualification – advantageous.Knowledge of SARS customs procedures and South African import regulations – advantageous.Computer literacy with good working knowledge of MS Excel and ERP systems.A minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in imports, logistics, freight forwarding or supply chain administration is recommended.Key Skills & CompetenciesStrong organisational and administrative skills.Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.Good communication and negotiation skills.Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.Good understanding of international shipping and import documentation.Ability to work effectively with suppliers, service providers and internal departments.Strong numerical and analytical abilities.