Logistics Coordinator - Perishables Specialist

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Logistics Coordinator in George, Western Cape, focused on perishables. The role demands managing air, sea, and land shipments, maintaining cold-chain integrity, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Hybrid work setup offers flexibility and exposure to international operations.

You'll coordinate documentation, liaise with carriers and clients, and support SOP development while delivering timely updates and problem-solving across the supply chain.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in logistics coordination with perishables.
• Understanding of international shipping procedures, Incoterms, and customs regulations.
• Experience in air and sea freight for temperature-sensitive products.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate shipments of perishable goods by air, sea, and land.
• Monitor shipments in real time and inform stakeholders of deviations.
• Ensure documentation: customs declarations, phytosanitary certificates, health documents.
• Maintain temperature logs to protect the cold chain.
• Collaborate with carriers, freight forwarders, and clients.
• Identify and resolve disruptions in transit.
• Develop and implement SOPs for perishable logistics.

Skills

Logistics coordination

Incoterms

Customs regulations

Excel

MS Office Suite

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic player in the import/export logistics sector, is looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Logistics Coordinator specializing in perishables to join their team in George, Western Cape. This role is essential for managing the swift and secure transit of temperature-sensitive goods. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the shipping process, ensuring that products arrive at their destination in optimal condition while adhering to strict timelines and regulatory requirements. This position requires a blend of logistical expertise, keen attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills, ideally within the context of fresh produce or pharmaceutical shipments. You will be instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the cold chain throughout transit.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the scheduling and execution of shipments for perishable goods, including air, sea, and land transportation.
• Monitor and track shipments in real-time, providing timely updates to stakeholders and addressing any deviations from the planned schedule.
• Ensure all necessary documentation, including customs declarations, phytosanitary certificates, and health documents, is accurate and submitted promptly.
• Liaise with shipping lines, airlines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and clients to ensure smooth and efficient transit.
• Manage and maintain records of temperature logs and other critical data to guarantee the integrity of the cold chain.
• Identify and resolve any logistical challenges or disruptions that may arise, such as delays, customs issues, or temperature excursions.
• Communicate effectively with the sales and procurement teams regarding shipment status and potential issues.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of international shipping regulations, particularly those pertaining to perishable goods.
• Assist in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for perishable logistics.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in logistics coordination, with a specific focus on handling perishable goods.
• Demonstrated understanding of international shipping procedures, Incoterms, and customs regulations relevant to perishables.
• Proven experience in managing air and sea freight for temperature-sensitive products.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with carriers and clients.
• Proficiency in logistics software and MS Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of cold chain logistics and temperature monitoring systems is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a stimulating work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and exposure to international logistics operations in the vibrant region of George, Western Cape. This hybrid role allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and focused remote work, providing flexibility. We value our employees and provide them with the resources to succeed.