International Freight Forwarding Specialist

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 1,050,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund

Substantial annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced International Freight Forwarding Specialist in Durban to manage cross-border shipments via air, sea and road. You will coordinate documentation, liaise with brokers and carriers, track progress, and ensure regulatory compliance for efficient, cost-effective deliveries.

The role requires strong English, excellent negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of Incoterms and customs procedures. Durban-based with a dynamic port-city environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of international freight forwarding experience.
• Strong knowledge of customs procedures and trade compliance.
• Experience with air and ocean freight and Incoterms.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficient with freight forwarding software and logistics platforms.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; English fluency mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all aspects of international freight forwarding, including air, sea, and road shipments.
• Prepare and process all necessary documentation for import and export shipments (e.g., bills of lading, customs declarations, commercial invoices).
• Liaise with customs brokers, shipping lines, airlines, and trucking companies to ensure smooth transit.
• Track shipments, provide timely updates to clients, and proactively resolve any transit delays or issues.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant international trade regulations, customs laws, and security requirements.
• Negotiate freight rates with carriers to achieve competitive pricing for clients.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their specific shipping needs and providing tailored solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of freight forwarding processes.
• Maintain accurate records of all shipments and related documentation.
• Stay informed about changes in international trade policies, tariffs, and shipping regulations.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics or related field

Tools

Freight forwarding software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized logistics and freight forwarding company, is seeking a highly experienced International Freight Forwarding Specialist to manage and coordinate the movement of goods across borders from their bustling Durban, KwaZulu-Natal office. This role is crucial for ensuring seamless, efficient, and compliant international shipments via air, sea, and road. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of customs regulations, international trade laws, and the intricacies of global supply chains. You will be the primary point of contact for clients, carriers, and customs authorities, ensuring timely delivery and cost-effectiveness. This demanding position requires meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a dynamic port city.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all aspects of international freight forwarding, including air, sea, and road shipments.
• Prepare and process all necessary documentation for import and export shipments (e.g., bills of lading, customs declarations, commercial invoices).
• Liaise with customs brokers, shipping lines, airlines, and trucking companies to ensure smooth transit.
• Track shipments, provide timely updates to clients, and proactively resolve any transit delays or issues.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant international trade regulations, customs laws, and security requirements.
• Negotiate freight rates with carriers to achieve competitive pricing for clients.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their specific shipping needs and providing tailored solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of freight forwarding processes.
• Maintain accurate records of all shipments and related documentation.
• Stay informed about changes in international trade policies, tariffs, and shipping regulations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in international freight forwarding, import/export operations, or a related logistics role.
• Strong knowledge of customs procedures, documentation requirements, and international trade compliance for various countries.
• Proven experience in managing air and ocean freight, with a solid understanding of Incoterms.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using freight forwarding software and common logistics platforms.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, International Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of other languages commonly used in international trade is a plus.
• Residency and work authorization in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflecting the specialized nature of this role, plus potential performance bonuses. This role is based in our strategic Durban office, offering a dynamic work environment. We also foster a supportive team culture and encourage a healthy work-life balance.

• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and substantial annual leave.
• Professional development opportunities, including training on new trade regulations and software, are provided.