Projects Operations Controller - Asia Desk | Durban
Empire HR Solutions · Durban, KwaZulu Natal
Overview
A freight forwarding company in Durban is looking for an experienced Projects Operations Controller to join its Asia Desk team. You will coordinate sea, air, road and rail shipments, manage documentation and keep clients updated on cargo moving between Asia and South Africa. If you have logistics coordination experience and enjoy solving operational challenges in a fast paced environment, this permanent role could be a great fit.
About the role
This permanent role sits within the Asia Desk operations team of an established freight forwarding and logistics company in Durban. As the Projects Operations Controller, you will be at the centre of coordinating freight movements across sea, air, road and rail, making sure shipments are planned, tracked and delivered on time.
You will work closely with clients, transport providers, warehouse teams and customs officials to keep cargo moving smoothly. On a typical day you might plan shipment schedules, prepare bills of lading and customs declarations, follow up on delivery delays, update clients on shipment progress and help keep transport costs under control.
The role also involves monitoring budgets, preparing operational reports and tracking key performance indicators such as delivery performance and turnaround times. You will have the chance to suggest improvements to freight processes and support the implementation of better systems.
Application note: The salary for this position is negotiable. Apply through the PNet listing link provided.
Requirements
- Grade 12 or Matric Certificate
- Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transport Management or a related field
- Proven experience in freight forwarding, freight operations, logistics coordination or goods handling
- Strong understanding of international freight movements and transport processes
- Knowledge of import and export procedures and customs regulations
- Experience preparing and managing shipping and freight documentation
- Understanding of multimodal transport operations including road, sea, rail and air freight
- Experience coordinating shipments with transport providers, warehouses and logistics stakeholders
- Knowledge of freight tracking and operational reporting
- Intermediate or advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint
- Knowledge of K2 Workflow
- Experience with fleet management systems or warehouse management systems (WMS)
- Understanding of health and safety requirements within logistics environments
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple shipments and competing deadlines
- Strong problem solving and decision making skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Customer focused approach
- Strong administrative and documentation skills
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Proactive approach to resolving operational challenges
Responsibilities
- Plan, schedule and coordinate daily, weekly and monthly freight movements
- Coordinate shipments across road, rail, sea and air transport
- Allocate shipments according to urgency, cargo requirements and cost
- Plan transport routes and delivery schedules for operational efficiency
- Liaise with warehouse teams and transport providers to ensure cargo is ready for dispatch
- Monitor shipments from origin through to final delivery
- Provide regular shipment updates to clients and internal stakeholders
- Identify and address shipment delays and operational disruptions
- Ensure proof of delivery documentation is received, verified and filed
- Prepare, review and verify shipping documentation including bills of lading, delivery notes, customs declarations, invoices and packing lists
- Ensure documentation complies with import and export regulations
- Liaise with customs officials and clearing agents when required
- Act as a key point of contact between clients, shipping partners, transport providers and warehouse teams
- Respond to shipment queries and provide accurate delivery updates
- Investigate and resolve shipment delays, cargo discrepancies and documentation issues
- Coordinate responses to transport disruptions, breakdowns and missed delivery deadlines
- Monitor freight and transportation costs and identify opportunities to reduce expenditure
- Assist with transport rate negotiations where required
- Prepare daily, weekly and monthly operational reports
- Track key performance indicators including delivery performance, turnaround times, shipment costs and incidents
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and promote safe cargo handling
- Report operational incidents and support risk assessments
- Identify opportunities to improve freight processes and workflows
Job details
- Organisation
- Empire HR Solutions
- Location
- Durban, KwaZulu Natal
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Mid
- Education
- Diploma
- Category
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
If you are applying for this Projects Operations Controller role, make sure your CV clearly shows your hands-on experience with freight documentation, customs processes and coordinating shipments across different transport modes. The hiring team will want to see that you have worked in freight forwarding before, so list specific systems you have used, such as K2 Workflow or any warehouse management systems, and mention the types of cargo or trade lanes you have handled.
In an interview, expect questions about how you handle shipment delays, how you keep clients informed and how you manage multiple shipments under pressure. Have a real example ready of a time you solved a logistics problem or improved a process. Since this is an Asia Desk role, showing that you understand the importance of clear communication with international partners will work in your favour. Good luck with your application.
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