Shipping Manager

Malander Careers; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics company based in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Shipping Manager to oversee the import process. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in customs compliance and financial analysis, with 8–10 years of experience in shipping. This role involves managing a team and maintaining relationships with service providers to ensure efficient operations and compliance with laws. Competitive benefits and opportunities for professional development are provided.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in imports and shipping, ideally within a retail or large-scale trading environment.
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations, foreign exchange, and import documentation.
• Proven ability to manage payment schedules, freight variances, and import reconciliations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full import process and attend to all internal and external import queries.
• Ensure full compliance with import laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Monitor and approve shipments on TradeCloud for timely customs clearance.

Skills

Shipping management

Financial analysis

Customs compliance

Team leadership

Education

BCom or equivalent degree

Post-graduate qualification in Shipping, Logistics, or Customs

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Oracle

TradeCloud

Job description

Overview

Malander is seeking a Shipping Manager based in Cape Town to oversee the end-to-end import process and ensure all shipments are cleared through customs efficiently and accurately. The successful candidate will manage the full shipping function, ensuring payments are made within agreed terms and deliveries align with specified timelines. This role forms an integral part of the shipping team, supporting the company's expanding operations by driving compliance, efficiency, and excellence across all import-related activities.

Responsibilities

• Shipping (Imports): Manage the full import process and attend to all internal and external import queries.
• Ensure full compliance with import laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Monitor and approve shipments on TradeCloud, ensuring timely customs clearance.
• Review and approve Letters of Credit, foreign and local payments, and month-end journals.
• Monitor and analyse shipping cost variances and prepare monthly freight variance reports.
• Review shipping account reconciliations and prepare reporting schedules (duties, import VAT, Forex analysis).
• Partner closely with the Sourcing Executive to communicate freight variances and cost updates.
• Coordinate with service providers and buyers to ensure efficient import processing.
• Engage with new logistics partners when required and manage relationships with existing service providers.
• Manage and mentor the shipping team, including the supervisor and their direct reports.
• Oversee performance against KPIs and ensure continuous process improvement.
• Support internal and external auditors with all shipping-related queries.
• Provide financial reporting and analysis to internal and external stakeholders.
• Forward Cover: Arrange and manage the purchasing of Forward Exchange Contracts (FECs).
• Monitor, track, and reconcile all forward cover transactions.
• Prepare and communicate costing factors to the business.
• Review and sign off month-end forward cover reports and related journals.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualifications: BCom or equivalent degree (Finance, Accounting, or Logistics).
• Post-graduate qualification in Shipping, Logistics, or Customs advantageous.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and solid IT / Finance systems aptitude.
• Experience with Oracle and TradeCloud preferred.
• Experience / Knowledge: 8–10 years of experience in imports and shipping, ideally within a retail or large-scale trading environment.
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations, foreign exchange, and import documentation.
• Proven ability to manage payment schedules, freight variances, and import reconciliations.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Experience managing teams and engaging with senior and executive stakeholders.