Senior Freight Operations Team Member

Aramex; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramex Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Ocean Freight Controller to lead the end-to-end ocean freight process for imports and exports. The role requires coordinating with shipping lines, agents, customs, and customers to ensure timely, accurate shipments.

You will manage documentation, vessel schedules, and milestone tracking, while maintaining strong customer relationships and adherence to company standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in freight forwarding / ocean freight operations.
• Proven experience managing both imports and exports.
• Experience working for a reputable freight forwarding company.
• CargoWise Experience.
• Managing shipments from start to finish.
• Strong knowledge of the end-to-end ocean freight process.
• Excellent understanding of shipping documentation and operational procedures.
• Strong knowledge of FCL and LCL and customs processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer-centric approach with a strong focus on service delivery.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Highly organised with ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines.
• Result-driven and solutions-oriented approach.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict shipping cut-offs.
• Strong follow-up and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong computer and freight management system skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the complete ocean freight process from shipment initiation to final delivery.
• Handle both import and export shipments including FCL and LCL.
• Manage and control all shipping documentation for accuracy.
• Coordinate with lines, agents, transporters, customs, warehouses and customers.
• Monitor vessel schedules, ETAs/ETDs, transshipments and milestones.
• Ensure documentation meets cut-off times and is updated throughout lifecycle.
• Maintain shipment records and provide proactive customer updates.
• Resolve delays or operational risks promptly.
• Work with internal teams to ensure seamless end-to-end experience.

Skills

Adaptability

Administrative Skills

Attention To Details

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Time Management

Teamwork

Safety And Quality Awareness

Job description

Job Title: Senior Freight Operations Team Member

Posting Start Date: 9/11/26

Job Description:

Purpose of the Job

We are looking for an experienced, highly organised and customer-focused Senior Ocean Freight Controller to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the end-to-end ocean freight process for both imports and exports, ensuring that shipments, documentation, communication and customer requirements are managed accurately and within required deadlines.

Job Description

• Manage the complete ocean freight process from shipment initiation through to final delivery / completion.
• Handle both import and export shipments, including FCL and LCL.
• Manage and control all shipping documentation and ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate with shipping lines, overseas agents, transporters, customs / clearing teams, warehouses and customers.
• Monitor vessel schedules, ETA’s, ETD’s, transshipments, delays and shipment milestones.
• Ensure all documentation is received, checked and processed within required cut-off times.
• Manage Bills of Lading, commercial documentation, arrival notices, release instructions and related shipping documentation.
• Make transport arrangements.
• Proactively identify potential delays, documentation issues or operational risks and resolve them.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and ensure the system is updated throughout the shipment lifecycle.
• Provide customers with clear, accurate and proactive shipment updates.
• Follow up outstanding documentation and operational requirements.
• Ensure shipments are completed within agreed timelines and service requirements.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure a seamless end-to-end customer experience.
• Resolve operational issues quickly and effectively.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers and service providers.
• Ensure compliance with company processes and operational standards.

Job Requirements - Experience and Education

• Minimum 5 years' experience in freight forwarding / ocean freight operations.
• Proven experience managing both imports and exports.
• Experience working for a reputable freight forwarding company.
• CargoWise Experience.
• Managing shipments from start to finish.
• Strong knowledge of the end-to-end ocean freight process.
• Excellent understanding of shipping documentation and operational procedures.
• Strong knowledge of FCL and LCL and customs processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer-centric approach with a strong focus on service delivery.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Result-driven and solutions-oriented approach.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict shipping cut-offs.
• Strong follow-up and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong computer and freight management system skills.

Leadership Behaviors

• Building Outstanding Teams
• Collaborate & break silos
• Execution & Accountability
• External focus
• Growth mindset
• Inclusion
• Innovation
• Setting a clear direction
• Simplification

Skills

• Adaptability
• Administrative Skills
• Attention To Details
• Communication Skills
• Flexibility And Adaptability
• Interpersonal Skills
• Safety And Quality Awareness
• Teamwork
• Time Management