Senior Supply Chain/ Logistics Controller (Exotic Fruit)

ROLE OVERVIEW: 

• Take ownership of the Exotics division’s stock and logistics operations, overseeing international shipments, cold-chain stock control, transport coordination, export documentation and cost management.

Minimum requirements:

• Relevant degree or diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ fresh-produce export logistics experience, including at least 2 years in a senior operations role.
• Hands-on experience in reefer shipping, perishable airfreight and refrigerated road freight.
• Working knowledge of PPECB, export compliance and phytosanitary requirements.
• Proven experience in cold-chain stock control, pallet traceability, stock reconciliations and logistics claims.
• Experience in transport costing, freight invoice verification and coordinating company-owned transport.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with stock management or trading systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or a similar ERP system advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans.
• Willingness to work additional hours during peak export periods.

Personality Traits:

• Proactive self-starter who takes ownership and demonstrates accountability.
• Independent, organised and highly detail-oriented.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Calm, adaptable and solutions-focused under pressure.
• Commercially aware with a strong focus on accuracy, efficiency and cost control.
• Effective communicator who collaborates well with internal teams and external service providers.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Take full responsibility for the Exotics division’s stock and logistics operations, from cold-room receipt through to customer delivery.
• Coordinate sea freight, perishable airfreight and refrigerated road transport, including bookings, shipment tracking and service-provider management.
• Maintain accurate cold-room stock records, oversee pallet movements and ensure stock traceability and reconciliations.
• Coordinate cold-room activities, including receiving, loading, inspections, repacking, labelling, staging and dispatch.
• Prepare, verify and manage export, customs, clearing, shipping and phytosanitary documentation.
• Monitor freight and logistics costs, maintain approved operational cost structures and verify transport and logistics invoices.
• Coordinate company-owned transport, including vehicle scheduling, trip records, transport costing and reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve stock discrepancies, damages, temperature deviations, shipment delays and logistics claims.
• Monitor logistics service-provider performance, address operational challenges and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain accurate operational, stock and exception reporting.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date information is maintained in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and related systems.
• Collaborate closely with Commercial, Technical, Procurement and Finance to ensure effective operational planning and execution.
• Identify operational risks, manage variances and implement measures to minimise financial losses.
• Drive continuous improvements in operational processes, stock controls, reporting accuracy and logistics efficiency.