Import Controller

Job Purpose

This role involves overseeing the management of client shipments through coordination with various shipping lines, airlines, customs authorities, and transporters. The candidate will regularly communicate shipment statuses to clients and ensure timely customs clearance to avoid added storage fees or demurrage, while upholding the company's core values of Teamwork, Trust, Innovation, Respect, Integrity, and Quality.

Key Stakeholders

• Clients
• South African Revenue Service (SARS) / Customs
• External Suppliers
• Savino's managerial and supervisory teams
• Company employees

Main Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional client service with proactive communication, especially regarding any shipment delays.
• Organize shipping to meet client expectations, including securing competitive freight rates while considering transit times.
• Maintain a paperless office by promptly and accurately entering data into the Shipshape system, saving all mandatory shipment documents and correspondence.
• Track and trace shipments, coordinate with the origin office, and monitor shipment milestones proactively, ensuring pre-alerts are received within three days of vessel departure.
• Verify and manage all documentation necessary for customs clearance and release, including handling shipments held by SAPS, Customs, NRCS, and others.
• Monitor cargo costs closely to prevent or mitigate additional expenses, ensure timely invoice processing, and confirm invoices match agreed tariffs.
• Maintain profitability by performing precise job costing and billing according to client agreements and adhere to billing KPIs with timely reporting via Shipshape.
• Address and resolve service provider, client, and internal queries professionally and in a timely manner.
• Arrange insurance coverage and manage claims when required.
• Work collaboratively across teams and with external parties, participate actively in team meetings, contribute suggestions for operational enhancements, and pursue personal development goals.
• Ensure client information in Shipshape is current and conduct thorough handovers before leave periods.
• Perform any additional operational tasks as assigned by management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum education requirement: Grade 12 certificate.
• Preferred certifications: Shipping and Customs Declaration (SDS) and/or Freight Forwarding Course or equivalent.
• At least five years of experience in a clearing and forwarding environment.
• Strong understanding of Incoterms and familiarity with ocean and airfreight import tariffs, practices, and procedures.
• Experience in arranging forwarding for air, sea, and cross-trade shipments.
• Knowledgeable about customs and other third-party clearance procedures.

Required Skills

• Ability to handle demanding customer interactions effectively with strong customer service focus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with confidence engaging all organizational levels.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in work outputs.
• Basic accounting knowledge including understanding of debits, credits, international currencies, and currency codes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly intermediate Excel skills.
• Capacity to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Adaptability to changing work environments and high volumes of tasks.
• Strong teamwork abilities alongside independent working skills.
• Excellent multitasking, task prioritization, and interpersonal skills.
• Competent problem-solving and decision-making in dynamic situations.
• Willingness to work additional hours when necessary.

Personal Attributes and Behaviors

• Strong communication and people skills.
• Self-motivated and disciplined.
• Team and project oriented with problem-solving capabilities.
• Innovative and creative approach to work.
• Highly organized with advanced coordination skills.
• Ability to function effectively under pressure and enhance service levels.

Company Values

• Teamwork: Collaborate to meet shared goals and leverage collective experience.
• Trust: Maintain confidence and accountability in all roles and agreements.
• Innovation: Embrace learning, encourage ideas, and lead technological and service advancements.
• Respect: Value individuals and client confidentiality, seeking diverse perspectives.
• Integrity: Practice openness, honesty, and honor commitments in all dealings.
• Quality: Uphold world-class standards through quality engagement, leadership, processes, and continual improvement.

Additional Information

Interested candidates should submit their applications by Friday, 11 September 2026. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks after the closing date. This position is open to both internal and external applicants.