Shipping and Customs Manager

Persona Staff; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Persona Staff in Stellenbosch seeks an experienced logistics professional to plan and execute international shipments, manage customs clearance, and coordinate with warehouses and transport partners. You will optimise routes, review costs and ensure timely, compliant deliveries.

The role requires 5+ years in shipping/logistics, strong SA customs knowledge, and stakeholder management. Proficiency in MS Office and SAP is advantageous, with exposure to FMCG or manufacturing a plus.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' relevant experience within shipping, customs, freight forwarding or international logistics.
• Strong working knowledge of South African customs procedures and SARS requirements.
• Understanding of HS tariff classifications and customs compliance.
• Proven experience dealing with freight forwarders, shipping lines and customs clearing agents.
• Strong organizational, planning and coordination abilities.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Experience working on SAP would be advantageous.
• Exposure to manufacturing, FMCG, food or beverage environment would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the planning and execution of international shipments.
• Arrange freight bookings with shipping lines, freight forwarders and transport providers.
• Coordinate loading and dispatch requirements with warehouse and operational teams.
• Ensure shipments are fully prepared and operationally ready within agreed timelines.
• Manage customs clearance processes and ensure compliance with applicable South African customs requirements.
• Ensure appropriate tariff classifications, permits and supporting customs documentation are in place.
• Review shipping and customs documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Liaise with freight forwarders, customs clearing agents, transport providers and other logistics partners.
• Identify and resolve shipment, freight and customs-related issues that could impact delivery.
• Work closely with Customer Service, Warehouse, Transport, Finance and Quality teams to ensure an efficient shipment process.
• Monitor and manage exceptions, delays and operational challenges.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the international logistics function.
• Assess freight and routing options with consideration of cost, lead time, service levels and operational risk.
• Review freight quotations and logistics costs and identify potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Provide commercial input into international shipping, customs and logistics decisions.
• Balance customer requirements and delivery commitments against cost and operational feasibility.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Planning

Communication

Problem solving

MS Office

Stakeholder management

SAP experience

Logistics coordination

Education

Diploma or Degree in Logistics/related

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and oversee the planning and execution of international shipments.
• Arrange freight bookings with shipping lines, freight forwarders and transport providers.
• Coordinate loading and dispatch requirements with warehouse and operational teams.
• Ensure shipments are fully prepared and operationally ready within agreed timelines.
• Manage customs clearance processes and ensure compliance with applicable South African customs requirements.
• Ensure appropriate tariff classifications, permits and supporting customs documentation are in place.
• Review shipping and customs documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Liaise with freight forwarders, customs clearing agents, transport providers and other logistics partners.
• Identify and resolve shipment, freight and customs-related issues that could impact delivery.
• Work closely with Customer Service, Warehouse, Transport, Finance and Quality teams to ensure an efficient shipment process.
• Monitor and manage exceptions, delays and operational challenges.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the international logistics function.
• Assess freight and routing options with consideration of cost, lead time, service levels and operational risk.
• Review freight quotations and logistics costs and identify potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Provide commercial input into international shipping, customs and logistics decisions.
• Balance customer requirements and delivery commitments against cost and operational feasibility.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' relevant experience within shipping, customs, freight forwarding or international logistics.
• Strong working knowledge of South African customs procedures and SARS requirements.
• Understanding of HS tariff classifications and customs compliance.
• Proven experience dealing with freight forwarders, shipping lines and customs clearing agents.
• Strong organizational, planning and coordination abilities.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Experience working on SAP would be advantageous.
• Exposure to manufacturing, FMCG, food or beverage environment would be beneficial.