Open Positions at Bidvest International Logistics

Qualification:

• Grade 12 or equivalent qualification.
• A tertiary education would be an advantage.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in the air and ocean freight forwarding industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting the Trade Lane Team with all aspects of departmental administration, internal and external Carrier, International partner and Client correspondence.
• Support the interface between Trade Lane Development and Business Development, International Partners and Operational departments within BIL.
• Support and maintenance in the uploading and distribution of the Air & Ocean MSR’s as and when necessary, supported by the respective TLM.
• Support and maintenance of Top Client Air & Ocean Rate Agreements in accordance with each client specific requirements.
• Assisting in the preparation of various monthly/quarterly reports with regards to all Trade Lane Activities.
• Maintain and analyse comprehensive data basis on Trade Lane Statistics and Key Clients.
• Itinerary co-ordination of the Overseas Partner visits as well as TLM/TLD Travel (local & international).
• Assisting the Trade Lane Development Team with all aspects of departmental administration and client correspondence.
• Support in uploading, maintenance and distribution of the Air/Ocean Freight Client Rate Sheets.
• Interaction with International partners globally, Business Development Team and BIL Forwarding Operations Team.
• Assisting Trade Lane, Forwarding Controllers and BD Team with pricing related queries related to Client Rate Sheets, Agreements, new business opportunities, etc.
• Support and maintenance of client route & supplier details in the data base known as the Routing Order/Rate Sheet Tracker.

Client liaison functions to support Trade Lane Development Management.

• Assisting Trade Lane Development Managers with providing a service to our Key Clients identified on all Trade Lanes.
• To provide Air & Ocean Forwarding assistance and support to Business Development Team and operational staff in their negotiations with existing and potential clients with regards to Product, Pricing, including Tenders, RFQ’s and ad hoc assignments – supported by the TLM’s.
• To foster a team spirit and culture amongst all regional internal clients by communicating openly regarding Air & Ocean Forwarding issues and by involving the appropriate staff at the relevant business interfaces.
• To provide Air & Ocean Forwarding assistance and support to the Business Development Team and Operational staff with their rate sheet related requests and ensure 100% accuracy.

Service Providers relations

• Assisting Trade Lane Managers with Procurement by means of liaison and negotiations with ocean and air carriers.
• Receive updates from service providers on all Trade Lanes and ensuring that it is distributed accordingly and shared with the relevant BIL Team members, including external Clients.
• Support TLM by co-ordinating the measurement of Air & Ocean Carrier performance and satisfaction by means of the Carrier Performance Survey
• Receive updates from service providers on all Trade Lanes and ensuring that it is distributed accordingly with-in the Trade Lane Team and externally as required.
• Participate in Service provider meetings from an administrative role as well as Product & Procurement as required and defined by the TLM’s.

Global Partner (EMO Trans / Agent) Relations

• Developing relationships with Air, Ocean and Business Development Key Contacts with our International partners, to maintain efficient communication between the International partners  globally and BIL.

Skills & Competencies

• Highly developed computer literacy skills (MS Office), with extensive knowledge on Excel.
• Highly developed negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent presentation and administration skills with a focus on accuracy of information supplied.
• Well-developed inter-personal skills coupled with expert written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and to promote teamwork.
• Sound planning and organizational skills..
• Energetic and innovative, coupled with a high tolerance for stress.
• Well-groomed and presented in a professional manner.
• Systematic, logical and analytical approach

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QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Matric                                
• Relevant tertiary qualification essential

EXPERIENCE: 

• 3-5 previous experience as a Import Client Controller (ocean) with a good working knowledge of all aspects of Seafreight Imports, including the Customs and related EDI processes.                                
• An excellent track record of effective communication skills                      

KEY RESPONSIBILITES 

• Ensure close liaison with clients in that they are continually updated via telephonic or electronic feedback on the status of their clearances and delivery of their cargo.  All pertinent instructions and key issues to be noted on the file in our operating system.                    
• Responsible for regular client meetings, visits and telephonic discussions to solicite information on clients business requirements, understanding client's potential problem areas, investigating competitor activities and networking and provide written feedback to management.        
• Ensure close liaison and correspondence with Vessel Agents, groupage agents, TNPA, TPT, TFR, unpack depots, container parks and other third parties as and when necessary.            
• Regular monitoring of the status of import shipments ( BIL tools) to ensure that there are no delays in the import clearance process - from time of receipt of documents to time of invoicing and delivery.   Where delays occur, ensure the necessary action is undertaken to resolve with applicable department or staff concerned and the reasons for the delays are noted on BIL operating system.             
• To back up the Senior, Client Controllers and Assistant Controllers as required.            
• Ensure all billing, reconciliation, debtors, financial queries and other import related queries are actioned as per KPI's.                                 
• Ensure import and KPI's process are followed to limit BIL risk and impact to reputation.        
• Vetting of Client documents and requesting for any outstanding or specific document/s that will be required for the smooth clearance of the shipment through the relevant authorities        
• Ensure strict adherence to intergrated management system (IMS)                
• Working closely with internal stakeholders to ensure file management is closed off.         
• Handling and following up on disputes until resolved.                         
• Notify neccessarry stakeholders and process claims within time frames.                 
• Zero tolerance of write off's                                
• Log all incident reports using SmartSure tool.    

Skills & Competencies

• Supply Chain:                                
• International Forwarding                                
• Seafreight Imports processes                                
• Financial background                                 
• Disputes and claims process                                
• Incoterms                                
• Customer relationship building