Senior Imports Controller, Stellenbosch

Dixie Recruitment; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Dixie Recruitment client in Stellenbosch seeks a Senior Imports Controller to join a fast-paced freight forwarding team. You will manage import documentation, ensure accurate HS codes and regulatory compliance, and coordinate authority releases to keep shipments moving.

The role requires strong Afrikaans and English communication, three years of Imports experience, and proficiency with Excel and freight systems. Based in Stellenbosch, this position offers a dynamic, tech-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Matric certificate is essential; a related diploma will be advantageous.
• Minimum of three years' experience in freight forwarding and imports.
• Customs Training Levels 1 and 2 with knowledge of the Customs and Excise Act, Tariff Book and declaration types.
• Strong knowledge of import documentation, HS codes, SARS customs entries and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Excel and computerised freight forwarding systems.
• Good understanding of road transport, shipping lines, freight forwarders and cargo clearance processes.
• Fluent Afrikaans and English; strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Organisational and time management skills with resilience to work under pressure and after hours when required.

Responsibilities

• Review and verify import documentation for accuracy and register shipments on the company's systems.
• Prepare SARS customs entries and cargo dues within deadlines, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Coordinate releases from Port Health, Agriculture, State Veterinary Services and other authorities.
• Verify shipping line invoices against quotations and minimise storage and related costs.
• Coordinate haulage and final delivery to clients' nominated addresses with transport providers.
• Arrange ex-works shipments from various international origins and obtain quotations.
• Approve supplier invoices and ensure client billing is accurate and timely.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and escalate delays or issues to management.
• Assist forecasting and provide visibility of expected cash flow for customs duties and deferment when available.
• Share insights with Key Account Managers on client activity and pricing guidance.

Skills

Imports knowledge

HS codes

Customs entries

Google Workspace

Excel

Freight systems

Afrikaans & English

Time management

Education

Matric certificate

Diploma in Shipping/Logistics

Tools

Freight forwarding software

Job description

Our client in the freight forwarding and logistics industry is looking for an experienced Senior Imports Controller to join their dynamic team in Stellenbosch. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. The culture is energetic, forward-thinking and built around hard work, accountability and strong client relationships. If you are passionate about import operations, enjoy solving logistical challenges and take pride in delivering an exceptional service, this could be the right opportunity for you.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• Matric certificate is essential. A diploma in Shipping, Clearing and Freight Forwarding, Distribution and Logistics Management or a related field will be advantageous.

• Minimum of three years' experience in freight forwarding and logistics, specifically within imports.

• Customs Training Levels 1 and 2, with a sound understanding of the Customs and Excise Act, the Tariff Book and different customs declaration types.

• Strong knowledge of import documentation, HS codes, SARS customs entries and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Excel and computerised freight forwarding systems.

• Good understanding of road transport modes, shipping lines, freight forwarders and cargo clearance processes.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to communicate fluently in both Afrikaans and English.

• Strong organisational and time management skills, exceptional attention to detail and the resilience to work under pressure. A customer-focused approach, flexibility to work additional hours when required and availability after hours are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and verify import documentation for accuracy, ensure the correct HS codes are applied and register shipments on the company's systems.

• Prepare and submit SARS customs entries and cargo dues within the required deadlines, ensuring compliance with customs and other regulatory requirements.

• Obtain the necessary releases from Port Health, Agriculture, State Veterinary Services and other relevant authorities, coordinating inspections where required.

• Obtain and verify shipping line invoices against approved quotations and ensure cargo is released timeously to minimise storage and related costs.

• Coordinate haulage and final delivery to clients' nominated addresses, liaising with shipping lines, unpack depots, freight forwarders and transport providers.

• Arrange ex-works shipments from various international origins and obtain quotations where required.

• Approve supplier invoices on DocIt, review draft client invoices and ensure client billing is processed accurately and on time.

• Maintain regular communication with clients, providing shipment updates and proactively escalating delays, discrepancies and potential operational challenges to the relevant manager.

• Work closely with clients to improve shipment forecasting and provide the finance department with sufficient visibility of anticipated cash flow requirements, particularly where customs duty deferment is unavailable.

• Provide input to Key Account Managers and Key Client Executives on client age analysis, planned versus actual incoming shipments and operational performance, while assisting pricing controllers with recommendations on suitable profit margins when required.