My client, a well-established commodity trading house with an international footprint, has an opportunity for a Logistics Coordinator to join their South African Office based in Somerset West.  This opportunity is open to recent graduates or candidates with 1 to 3 years relevant experience.

The main purpose of this role is to provide additional support to the sales team in overseeing and facilitating the efficient and cost-effective shipping, transporting, storage and distribution of the products from origin to end destination.
Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics management, business or related fields is essential.  
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) will be ideal, but if not, training will be provided.
• Proven experience within a shipping or logistics environment and being able to demonstrate knowledge of logistical operations will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of PC Software Applications – Microsoft Office Suite (basic requirement), Logistics software, and tracking systems will be advantageous

Skills and Comptencies:

• Quick Learner, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, whilst maintaining focus, and adapting to change and perfecting problem-solving.
• Ability to take initiative and think logically i.e. does not require “hand holding” or being micro-managed.  
• Ability to conduct detailed procedures in a time-constrained environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills are fundamental.
• Ability to handle conflict whilst remaining calm in tense situations.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.

Duties will include, but not limited to:
Logistics Focused

• Obtaining and negotiating of rates from 3rd party Transporters and 3rd party warehouses and ensuring collections and deliveries are done in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.
• Arranging collections and deliveries to and from warehouses/customers and ensuring on timely collection and delivery.
• Arranging stock transfers to and from different 3rd party warehouses located across SA, and doing so in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.
• Taking care of any/all administrative functions associated with the above, such as, but not limited to, Delivery Notes, Warehouse Instructions, phone calls, e-mail confirmations, filing, reporting etc.
• Monitoring 3rd party warehouse and transporter performance by maintaining records in order to analyse logistics data and performance metrics to identify areas of concern or areas that are in need of improvement.
• Ensuring 3rd party warehouses and transporter’s invoices are accurate and that the required supporting documents are supplied.
• Addressing any non-conformances and handling of any/all complaints on the part of 3rd party warehouses and transporters
• Conducting of monthly ‘remote’ stock takes to ensure accuracy of stock in store vs what’s shown on the company’s SAP system and planning sheets and addressing any discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Conducting Quarterly ‘physical’ stock takes to ensure accuracy of stock in store vs what’s shown on the company’s SAP system and planning sheets in a timely manner.
• Arranging the disposal of quarantined/damaged product (deemed not suited for sale), with 3rd party warehouses and ensuring procedures are followed in accordance with company standards.
• Assisting sales with the arranging of samples as and when required, and ensuring procedures are followed in accordance with company standards.
• Conducting of annual audits done on 3rd party warehouses and/or transporters to ensure they are suited for the purpose and align to company requirements.
• Researching and identifying suitable transporters/3rd party warehouses to add to Company’s list of existing service providers.
• Familiarising yourself and eventually gaining a full understanding of the laws and regulations within South Africa with regards to the transporting and storing of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals, making sure that the company are compliant.   .  

Shipping Focused

• Gain full understanding of Incoterms® and associated responsibilities.
• Communication with different stakeholders involved in the supply chain, including, but not limited to suppliers, shipping lined, freight forwarders, clearing agents, 3rd party warehouses, transporters etc on a regular basis to obtain relevant information which may include, but is not limited to, obtaining freight rates, arranging of FOB shipments, tracking vessels/containers, dealing with queries and/or complaints etc.
• Making sure that product shipments, from point of origin to point of delivery, are shipped on time, arrives on time, is cleared and released on time, transported safely and delivered to customers or warehouses on time and without issue, whilst also dealing with and resolving any/all matters/issues which may arise and potentially impact negatively on the aforementioned, doing so in a timely manner, ensuring constant communication throughout.
• Assisting the Company’s 3rd party imports and clearing agents by ensuring any/all relevant documents are received in a timely manner from Suppliers to avoid issues/delays at arrival port(s), which may result in unwanted additional costs.
• Checking Duty Rates and import/export restrictions on various commodity codes.

In return, a competitive salary is on offer coupled with the opportunity to work within a young, highly dynamic team.