Shipping and Customs Manager

A reputable international company is seeking an experienced Shipping and Customs Manager to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating international shipping operations, managing customs compliance, overseeing freight arrangements and ensuring the efficient, cost-effective movement of goods while maintaining compliance with South African customs regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the planning and execution of international shipments, including freight bookings with shipping lines, freight forwarders and transport providers.

• Liaise with warehouse and dispatch teams to ensure loading schedules, shipment readiness and delivery timelines are met.

• Manage customs clearance requirements and ensure compliance with SARS regulations, HS tariff classifications, permits and other relevant customs requirements.

• Review shipping and customs documentation for accuracy and completeness, ensuring all regulatory and customer requirements are met.

• Resolve shipment delays, freight issues and customs-related challenges while coordinating with internal departments and external logistics service providers.

• Evaluate freight quotations, routing options and service providers based on cost, lead time, service levels and operational risk.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend commercially viable shipping and logistics solutions.

• Collaborate with Customer Service, Warehouse, Transport, Finance and Quality teams to ensure smooth shipment execution and operational efficiency.

• Support financial and commercial decision-making relating to international shipping, freight costs, customs and logistics services.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise shipping processes, service delivery and overall logistics performance.

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade or a related field.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in shipping, customs clearing, freight forwarding or international logistics.

• Strong knowledge of South African customs procedures and SARS regulatory requirements.

• Good understanding of HS tariff classifications, customs compliance, permits and international shipping documentation.

• Proven experience working with freight forwarders, shipping lines, customs clearing agents and other logistics service providers.

• Experience reviewing freight quotations, evaluating logistics costs and identifying cost-effective shipping solutions.

• Strong planning, coordination, problem-solving and commercial decision-making skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• SAP experience will be advantageous.

• Experience within a manufacturing, FMCG, food or beverage environment will be advantageous.

Contact RPO Recruitment for your next career opportunity.

You can also visit the RPO Recruitment website: rporecruitment.us or email us your CV to: logistics@rpo-recruit.za.com.

We will contact you telephonically within 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will keep your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise.