Import Controller

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Shipment Control:
Manage clients’ shipments by liaising with shipping lines, airlines, customs, and transporters. Client Communication:
Keep clients informed of their shipment status through regular updates and status reports. Timely Clearance:
Ensure that shipments are cleared promptly to prevent unnecessary storage fees and demurrage while maintaining our core values (Teamwork, Trust, Innovation, Respect, Integrity and Quality) and culture.

• The Clients
• SARS / Customs
• External Suppliers
• Savino Managerial and Supervisory Staff
• Savino Employees

• Provide excellent client service with proactive communication regarding any delays.
• Ensure timely updates and communication with clients on shipment status.

• Arrange shipping in accordance with client requirements and ensure timely delivery of cargo.
• Negotiate rates to secure the best possible freight rates while considering transit times and client needs.

• Maintain a paperless working environment with accurate and timely data entry into Shipshape
• Save mandatory milestones, full sets of documents, and relevant correspondence to the scan docs for each shipment.
• Ensure all internal communications regarding shipments are documented in Shipshape.

• Track and trace shipments, relaying information to the origin office, including shipping instructions and monitoring milestones proactively.
• Ensure full pre-alert is received within 3 days of vessel sailing.

• Check and follow up on all required documentation to facilitate timely customs clearance.
• Ensure necessary documentation is on hand for release from Shipping Lines, Groupage Agents, and governing bodies.
• Ability to handle stop shipments with SAPS, Customs, NRCS etc.
• Follow up to ensure receipt of the ANF at least 5 working days before vessel arrival.

• Take timely action to avoid or mitigate additional costs.
• Process cargo dues and ensure timely receipt of creditor invoices.
• Verify that invoices match agreed tariffs and post them for payment where applicable.

• Ensure job profitability by completing accurate job costing and billing per agreed client rates.
• Complete billing within agreed KPIs and ensure Shipshape status reports are provided at least three times a week or daily as per client SOP.

• Resolve client, service provider, and internal queries professionally and timely.
• Comply with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and participate in mandatory training sessions.

• Arrange insurance coverage when required and process any claims.

• Maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Participate in team meetings, contribute to team goals, and suggest improvements for increased efficiency.
• Contribute to your personal development plan and goals.

• Ensure all client information is kept updated in Shipshape.
• Conduct a comprehensive review and handover prior to taking leave.
• Undertake any other ad-hoc operational duties as requested by management.

• Minimum Education:
  
  Grade 12 certification as a minimum qualification
• Advantageous
  
  Qualifications:
  
  SDS (Shipping and Customs Declaration) certification and/or Freight Forwarding Course or similar will be advantageous

• Clearing Environment:
  Minimum of 5 years of experience within a clearing & forwarding environment
• Incoterms:
  Sound knowledge and understanding of Incoterms
• Ocean Import Tariffs:
  Familiarity with ocean import tariffs, practices, and processes
• Airfreight Import Tariffs:
  Familiarity with Airfreight import tariffs, practices, and processes
• Must be able to arrange forwarding on air and sea freight shipment, Cross trade shipments included
• Customs and Third-Party Procedures:
  Knowledge of customs and other third-party governing/statutory body clearance procedures.

• Customer Service Orientation:
  Ability to manage a demanding customer environment effectively.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficient in both verbal and written English; confident communicator capable of interacting with staff at all levels.
• Attention to Detail:
  Strong accuracy and meticulousness in work, with a high attention to detail.
• Numeracy
  
  Skills:
  
  Basic understanding of accounting processes, including debits and credits; familiarity with international currencies and…