Sea Freight Controller at Hire Resolve

Job Description

• Our client, a prominent agricultural exporter, is seeking a Sea Freight Controller for their logistics operations in Paarl. This role involves ensuring that product is moved from growers to international clients efficiently while maintaining constant communication with all stakeholders. Key responsibilities include coordinating sea freight documentation, booking containers with forwarders, and managing operational loading instructions. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience in the fruit industry, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work independently to meet customer needs. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail oriented professional to join a dynamic team and oversee complex logistics operations from start to finish.

Responsibilities:

• Formalize and communicate loading instructions to all relevant load points.
• Book containers with freight forwarders and manage the booking forecast.
• Source competitive transport quotes and arrange transport from depots and load-outs.
• Monitor vessel timelines, including ETD, ATD, ETA, and ATA, and follow up on previous shipments.
• Resolve any operational issues that arise during the container loading process.
• Compile sea freight schedules and submit details for Shipping Instructions (SI) to forwarders.
• Capture loading notifications from dispatch documents and maintain the sea freight log.
• Generate and distribute custom invoices, addendums, and PPECB-stamped documents to clearing agents and load points.
• Execute final loading notifications for clients and forward Q67 documents to relevant parties.
• Sign off on creditor invoices after verifying them against agreed quotes.
• Establish and maintain logistics Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Communicate FOB and transport rates to the broader team.
• Distribute weekly load-out summaries to track performance.
• Conduct pre-season rate comparisons to negotiate the most competitive service provider agreements.
• Build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with service providers through regular visits.

Requirements:

• Senior certificate / Grade 12 (Matric)
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field
• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience within the fruit industry
• Specific expertise in sea freight exports and all related documentation
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, with a strong emphasis on Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of export systems and shipping processes
• Comprehensive understanding of Incoterms