International Supply Chain & Logistics Lead

Our client is a leading supply chain and logistics business with an established international trade operation connecting African markets with key global sourcing destinations.

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced International Supply Chain & Logistics Lead to take ownership of the day-to-day operation of a specialist international trade desk, coordinating activities across customers, international suppliers, freight partners, clearing agents, transport providers and internal commercial teams.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to an individual who understands the full international supply chain and can bring together operational execution, customer requirements, commercial considerations and service delivery.

• Relevant Supply Chain, Logistics, International Trade or Business qualification advantageous.

• 7–8 years' experience in a supply chain/logistics leadership role.

• Strong international import/export, freight forwarding, shipping, sourcing or logistics experience.

• Practical knowledge of customs, Incoterms, shipping documentation, sea and air freight and inland transport.

• Proven experience managing international suppliers and multiple logistics stakeholders.

• Strong commercial, negotiation, problem-solving and customer-facing capability.

• Advanced Excel/Microsoft 365 skills; experience with supply-chain systems advantageous.

• Willingness to travel when required.

Experience with Asia/China trade lanes or international supplier networks will be advantageous.

• Lead the daily operating rhythm across customer orders, supplier activity, shipments and delivery commitments.

• Coordinate the end-to-end supply chain from customer demand and purchase order through supplier production, international freight, customs clearance and final delivery.

• Establish and maintain effective operating procedures, controls, escalation processes and service standards.

• Monitor shipment milestones, identify risks early and implement recovery plans where required.

• Coordinate suppliers, shipping lines, freight forwarders, clearing agents, transporters and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.

• Maintain accurate operational reporting covering orders, production, bookings, departures, arrivals, customs status, delivery risks and customer actions.

• Drive root-cause analysis and continuous improvement across service, cost and process challenges.

• Coordinate sea, air and multimodal freight solutions, balancing cost, lead time, reliability and customer requirements.

• Ensure import and export documentation is accurate and submitted within required timelines.

• Manage customs, tariff, Incoterms, cargo release, port and related trade requirements.

• Resolve operational exceptions with freight forwarders, shipping lines, clearing agents, transporters and other service providers.

• Monitor and control avoidable costs including demurrage, detention, storage and documentation-related charges.

Preference will be given to candidates in line with the organisation's Employment Equity plan and targets.