Sea Freight And Port Co-Ordinator - JHB at Ivanhoe Mines

Purpose of the role:

Overseeing and managing the efficient handling of sea freight shipments and port operations. This involves coordinating with shipping lines, port authorities, and internal teams to ensure timely and cost-effective movement of goods.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Sea freight Coordination 

• Co-Ordinate forthcoming sailings and booking of vessels, Vessel Laycan Dates, and berthing opportunities.
• Drafting of Ocean Bill of lading in relation to the Buyers requirements (if required).
• Maintain and update the Ivanhoe Marketing Sailing Schedules of all Buyers.
• Liaise with Stock Team on Inventory levels for vessel planning.
• Ensure the final Port of Discharge complies with the DRC Export Licence.
• Acquitting of Sea freight Shipments (B/L to Mine) and retiring of Bags on the inhouse Software system.
• Ensure the available stock meets the requirements of vessel booking dates and tonnages.

Coordination of port Operations 

• Oversee Port Activities, minimizing any potential service failures and costs thereof.
• Collaborate with Service Providers and Buyers to address any operational challenges.
• Monitor vessel schedules and communicate any changes to relevant stakeholders.
• Manage the stock movements to Port and stock transfers to staging and loading areas for vessel loading.
• Ensure the proper stowage and handling of goods to prevent damage or loss.
• Maintain comprehensive records of inventory and transfers of cargo.
• Monitor and record the times (Rain, possible demurrage, etc.) for on time reporting.
• Ensure Mates Receipt is issued timeously.

Sampling Analysis of Cargo  

• Oversee the complete sampling process.
• Act as a liaison between sampling teams, and other relevant stakeholders and assist to resolve any issues related to the sampling and analysis process.
• Cross-check AHK Analysis with Mine to ensure consistency.

Rate Negotiations  

• Liaise with Charterers, shipping lines and carriers to secure competitive rates and secure capacity.
• Develop and implement negotiation strategies to optimize terms, pricing, and contractual terms.
• Keep abreast of industry trends, market conditions, and competitor activities to inform negotiation strategies.

Communication 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Charterers, shipping lines and carriers to enhance collaboration and facilitate successful negotiations.
• Foster good working relationships with warehouses, Buyers, and internal Stock teams.
• Assist and support colleagues, fostering a collaborative and cooperative team culture.

Experience required: 

• Minimum Qualification - Advanced higher certificate is preferred 
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• 4-7 years of experience in Bulk and Break-Bulk Sea freight Exports.
• Ability to analyze data related to stock levels.
• Strong understanding of international shipping regulations, Inco terms and compliance.
• Excellent knowledge of Chartering Terminology and requirements.
• Good network of Ships brokers and Charting Agents.
• Excellent negotiating
• Proven experience in negotiations, preferably in a business or procurement setting.

Personal Competencies should include:

• Must be able to liaise confidently and establish excellent working relationships.
• Excellent Time Management with an attention to urgency.
• Adaptable in a constantly changing environment.
• Good Communication skills and able to communicate with different cultures.
• Ability to identify risks and improvements.
• Dynamic self-starter that doesn’t need to be told what to do and how to do it and comfortable working independently and equally within a team.
• Operate in a collaborative manner and focus on Output, not Input.
• Excellent attention to detail and handle pressure.
• To be energetic with good follow through skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment, and willingness to train and provide supervision as needed.