Operations Controller – Ocean Export Operations

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Location: Cape Town
Department: Sea Freight / Ocean Exports

Company Overview

A well-established logistics provider based in Cape Town, operating across air, sea, and road freight. The business services a broad client base and manages high-volume export operations through major shipping lines, cold stores, and port authorities.

Role Overview

The Operations Controller will form part of the Ocean Export Operations team and be responsible for the end-to-end coordination of export shipments. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, and a solid understanding of shipping documentation, vessel scheduling, and port processes.

The position is well suited to someone with experience in sea freight operations who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate end-to-end ocean export operations from booking through to shipment and file handover.

• Liaise with clients, shipping lines, transporters, cold stores, and inspection bodies to ensure accurate and timely execution.

• Manage bookings, vessel schedules, stack dates, and container allocations, keeping stakeholders updated.

• Ensure all export documentation and system captures are accurate and complete for handover to the documentation team.

• Arrange and coordinate inspections, loading, haulage, and Q67 documentation where applicable.

• Monitor and communicate loading status, volumes shipped, and port-related costs to clients.

• Support customs submissions, entries, and compliance processes as required.

• Assist finance with cost queries, rebates, and shipment reconciliations.

Requirements

• Previous experience in sea freight or export operations.

• Strong understanding of shipping processes, documentation, and port procedures.

• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders including clients, shipping lines, transporters, and cold stores.

• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

What’s on Offer

• Exposure to high-volume export operations.

• Stable role within an established logistics environment.

• Opportunity to grow operational expertise within ocean freight.