About the position
A leading clearing and forwarding organisation is seeking an experienced SeniorOcean Import Clearing & Forwarding Controller to join their high-volume operations team in Mobeni, Durban.
This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced Clearing & Forwarding professional who can independently manage a portfolio of approximately 50-60 shipments, covering both Clearing and Forwarding activities from A-Z.
The successful candidate must have strong practical knowledge of the Ocean Import process and be confident dealing with shipping lines, customs/brokerage teams, transporters, overseas agents and clients.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 / Matric.
- Relevant Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance qualification advantageous.
- 5+ years' hands-on experience in Ocean Import Clearing & Forwarding.
- Proven experience managing a high-volume shipment portfolio.
- Strong understanding of the full Ocean Import process from A-Z.
- Must have practical Forwarding AND Clearing experience - candidates who only coordinate with the Forwarding or Customs departments will not be suitable.
- Strong understanding of Bills of Lading, including House and Master Bills, Original and Telex/Express Release.
- Experience with Customs clearance processes, Customs stops and examinations.
- Experience with Cargo Dues and NAVIS/shipping line releases.
- Experience with job costing, billing, WIP/accruals advantageous.
- Experience working with CargoWise, ShipShape, NAVIS, OTC or similar forwarding systems.
- Strong knowledge of FCL and LCL shipments.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
- Ensure comprehensive handovers prior to leave and maintain accurate client records
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 50-60 Ocean Import shipments, including both Clearing and Forwarding activities.
- Manage shipments end-to-end from pre-alert/forwarding through to customs clearance, release, delivery and invoicing.
- Coordinate FCL and LCL Ocean Import shipments.
- Manage forwarding activities including bookings, pre-alerts, shipping documentation and shipment coordination.
- Liaise with overseas agents, shipping lines, co-loaders, transporters, customs brokers and clients.
- Review and verify commercial invoices, packing lists, Bills of Lading, arrival notices and other shipping documentation.
- Ensure documentation is complete and accurate before submission to Customs/Brokerage.
- Work closely with the Customs team throughout the clearance process.
- Follow up on customs releases, stops, examinations and other regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate Port Health, Plant Inspection, SAPHRA/BMA and other regulatory inspections where applicable.
- Process and follow up on Cargo Dues and shipping line/NAVIS releases.
- Coordinate transport, collections, deliveries and empty container returns.
- Monitor vessel ETAs, cargo availability, delays and shipment milestones.
- Proactively identify and resolve operational issues to prevent delays and additional costs.
- Communicate proactively with clients and provide regular shipment status updates.
- Manage shipping line charges, transport costs and other shipment-related expenses.
- Complete job costing, accruals/WIP and customer invoicing where applicable.
- Ensure accurate and timeous updating of shipment information on the forwarding system.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure all shipments are processed within required KPIs.
- Build strong working relationships with clients, suppliers and internal departments.
Salary between R305,000 - R40,000 CTC per month, depending on experience (negotiable).
Desired Skills:
- clearing
- forwarding
- ocein
