Imports Coordinator at Watershed Consulting

Purpose of the position: 

• To serve as a critical link between procurement, suppliers, logistics, warehousing, finance, and external stakeholders. The role is designed as a talent pipeline into the buying and planning function.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the central point of coordination for all import shipments.
• Liaise constantly with buyers, planners, warehouse teams (JHB, CPT, DBN), suppliers, clearing agents, and finance/accounts.
• Manage shipping documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain and update the master shipping schedule (a critical Excel-based tool) daily.
• Track and manage all air freight and sea freight shipments, including hazardous goods (IATA).
• Negotiate freight and shipping rates with agents, lines, and transporters.
• Ensure accurate customs documentation (e.g., codes, Incoterms).
• Prepare and manage audit documentation (SARS, internal audits, etc.).
• Manage administrative and filing tasks in a paper-based system (not digital).
• Independently handle queries, solve problems, and communicate clearly with all stakeholders.

Key Requirements:

• Import/export knowledge: solid experience with clearing and forwarding, shipping lines, and customs processes.

Strong understanding of:

• Ecoterms
• Customs documentation
• IATA Dangerous Goods
• Freight and logistics flow

Highly skilled in:

• Microsoft Excel (formulas, updates, reporting)
• Negotiation
• Fast-paced environment: must handle high volumes of communication, emails, and shipments with accuracy and urgency.
• Comfortable with administrative tasks and manual document filing.
• Able to handle and own audits, maintain accurate records, and manage compliance risks.
• Confident decision-maker, proactive, and team-oriented.

Qualifications:

• Diploma or equivalent tertiary qualification.

Preferred Experience:

• Worked in clearing and forwarding, shipping lines, or a manufacturing/import/export company.
• Exposure to cross-functional teams (e.g., sales, buying, planning).
• Experience interacting with various time zones and supplier requirements (e.g., China, USA).