Logistics Planner - Cold Chain Specialist

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Logistics Planner in Upington, Northern Cape, focusing on cold chain operations to ensure compliant transport of temperature-sensitive goods.

You will coordinate shipments, optimize routes and schedules, manage cold-chain carriers, and maintain SOPs to safeguard product integrity and meet delivery timelines. This hybrid role offers professional development opportunities, a competitive benefits package, and the chance to work in a critical niche of logistics.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of logistics planning experience, with a focus on cold chain operations.
• Strong understanding of temperature-controlled transportation and GDP regulations.
• Proficiency with logistics software and MS Office.
• Excellent planning, organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate temperature-sensitive transport in line with cold chain protocols.
• Optimize routing and scheduling for timely, cost-efficient deliveries.
• Manage carriers specializing in cold chain logistics.
• Monitor shipments and address deviations in temp or schedule.
• Ensure accurate documentation for temperature-controlled shipments.
• Collaborate with warehouse and QA to maintain product integrity.
• Analyze performance data to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for cold chain logistics.
• Respond to logistics challenges or customer inquiries.
• Stay informed about cold chain regulations and best practices.

Skills

Planning

Organizational skills

Time management

MS Office

Logistics software

Communication

Negotiation

Education

High school diploma

Degree in Logistics / Supply Chain

Tools

Logistics software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading provider of specialized logistics solutions, is seeking an experienced Logistics Planner with a focus on Cold Chain operations. This role is based in Upington, Northern Cape , and is critical for ensuring the efficient and compliant transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. The Logistics Planner will be responsible for coordinating shipments, optimizing routes, managing carrier relationships, and ensuring adherence to strict temperature control requirements throughout the supply chain. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of cold chain logistics, excellent planning and organizational skills, and the ability to manage complex schedules. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a specialized and vital area of the logistics industry. We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented individual who can effectively manage logistics operations to maintain product integrity and meet delivery timelines. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the successful transport of pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other temperature-sensitive products. This role requires a hands-on approach to problem-solving and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods, ensuring compliance with cold chain protocols.
• Optimize routing and scheduling to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.
• Select and manage relationships with carriers specializing in cold chain logistics.
• Monitor shipment progress and proactively address any deviations from temperature or schedule requirements.
• Ensure all necessary documentation for temperature-controlled shipments is accurate and complete.
• Collaborate with warehouse operations and quality assurance teams to maintain product integrity.
• Analyze performance data to identify opportunities for improving cold chain logistics efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cold chain logistics.
• Respond to and resolve any logistical challenges or customer inquiries related to cold chain shipments.
• Stay informed about regulations and best practices in cold chain management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; a degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is advantageous.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in logistics planning, with a significant focus on cold chain operations.
• Strong understanding of temperature-controlled transportation modes and requirements.
• Familiarity with cold chain regulations and compliance standards (e.g., GDP).
• Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in logistics software and MS Office Suite.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with carriers and internal teams.
• Problem-solving abilities and the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to specialize in a critical niche within the logistics sector in Upington, Northern Cape . This hybrid role provides a balance of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to a company dedicated to high-quality logistics services.