Senior Import Controller

Switch Recruit (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 760,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Recruit (Pty) Ltd represents a leading freight forwarding organization seeking a Senior Import Controller for the Cape Town team. This role focuses on seafreight imports and end-to-end shipment management from forwarding through invoicing, ensuring regulatory compliance and precise data handling.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in import control within forwarding, with strong seafreight knowledge; seafreight exports experience is advantageous and ShipShape familiarity is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of import controlling experience in forwarding/clearing.
• Seafreight import knowledge is essential; seafreight exports advantageous.
• Proven ability to manage end-to-end import processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the forwarding of import shipments per client requirements.
• Lead the customs clearance process and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate movement of import cargo across the international transport chain.
• Arrange transport for timely cargo movement and delivery.
• Prepare and manage shipment documentation with accuracy.
• Complete invoicing and maintain shipment files end-to-end.
• Arrange insurance coverage and handle claims when needed.
• Apply Incoterms and relevant international transport requirements.
• Maintain high data quality and accurate shipment information.
• Provide guidance to Import Controllers and Learners.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Management System.

Skills

Import control

Seafreight knowledge

End-to-end shipment handling

Data accuracy

Invoicing

Regulatory compliance

Education

Freight forwarding qualification (NQF 4/5)

Tools

ShipShape

Job description

Our client, a leading organization within the freight forwarding and logistics industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Import Controller to join their Cape Town team. Experience with seafreight exports is highly advantageous.

This role requires a detail-oriented, client-focused professional who can coordinate international freight movements, manage shipment files from forwarding through to invoicing and ensure compliance with all relevant requirements.

Strong seafreight import knowledge is essential, while experience in seafreight exports will be highly advantageous.

Duties:

• Coordinate and manage the forwarding of import shipments in line with client requirements.
• Manage the customs clearance process and ensure shipments comply with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate the movement of import cargo throughout the international transport chain.
• Arrange and coordinate transport to ensure the timely movement and delivery of cargo.
• Prepare and manage shipment documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Complete invoicing and administer shipment files from start to finish.
• Arrange appropriate insurance cover and manage claims when required.
• Interpret and apply Incoterms, freight rates and relevant international transport requirements.
• Maintain high standards of data quality and ensure accurate shipment information is recorded.
• Provide guidance, support and direction to Import Controllers and Learners.
• Ensure compliance with the company's Quality Management System.
• Assist with additional duties and operational requirements as needed.

Requirements:

• Matric certificate.
• A two-year freight forwarding-related qualification at NQF Level 4 or NQF Level 5, or an equivalent qualification.
• Minimum 5-7 years of recent import controlling experience within the clearing and forwarding industry (non-negotiable).
• Proven experience managing the end-to-end import process.
• Seafreight export experience (extremely advantageous).
• ShipShape experience (advantageous).