Senior Import/Export Operations Specialist at DHL

In this Senior Import/Export Operations Specialist position

• Receives shipments transmissions / alerts.
• Check and confirm shipment details and freight details in Cargo sphere - CWI and coordinate of opening files.
• Prepares, controls and distributes all required import or export documents to the relevant counterparts (carrier, consignee, shipper, etc) complying with regulations and internal procedures.
• Arrange collection with origin station for imports shipments / coordinate with shipper for export shipments.
• Checks on responses from counterparts and finalizes validation of documents as required.
• Receive booking confirmation from origin station for import shipments / receive booking confirmation from carrier for Export shipments within 24hrs and share to clients accordingly.
• Once Draft bill of lading received from Origin for imports or from carrier at destination for exports, 2-3 days before ETD quality check to be done, send to customer to quality check then submit approval.
• Creates /confirms transport order to ensure delivery of shipment to final customer for imports. Requests for commercial invoice, packing list and all other relevant documents from the customer as required for Imports cargo clearance or Exports cargo shipment.
• Quality check ETA details provided by Origin Station with shipping line ETA details, continuous process throughout the shipment life.
• If there are any discrepancies enquire within shortest time prior shipment arrival or departure.
• Send out Status /Tracking report to customers, origin, and destination.
• Once all drafts are approved Send SOB / Pre alerts to customer / destination offices / Local Customer.
• Assign shipments off the LOT to your CWI profile.
• Invoice shipment based on estimate or rate agreements / process billing to local customer and / or bill back to origin station.
• Updating Mandatory milestones CWI completely and within the specified timelines. • Co-ordinate movement of cargo within required/stipulated time frames in order to meet customer needs.
• Ensure that all local import deliveries are routed via Saloodo as applicable.
• Ensure all requirements for imports or exports are followed up and are processed prior ETA or ETD ensuring all docs on hand.
• Ensure release is taken from Co-loader/ carrier in time, in order to avoid any storage and or detention.
• To develop and maintain relationships with customers. Support Customer Service / Key account management and Sales in incident and exception management.
• Initiate and address all Ol's and CCM's within the defined timelines.
• Address all financial exception management reports within given deadlines, ie sick Files/ Role 3/ Unbilled / tracker etc.
• To participate within the department with regards to industry or regulation changes.
• Support OFR Team Leader with the implementation of new/change of systems, directives and distribution of information to staff.
• Support other team members by supervising operations and provide backup for absence/ peaks in operational activities.
• Communicating with Top management from DHL origin and destination, suppliers, consignees, shippers, CSI, Sales for specific customers.
• Understanding origin and destination rules and regulation for African countries.
• Updating SOP for any new requirements for African Countries.
• Aligning Ocean Cross Trade process with origin and destination office.

Now, here is what we need from you!

• Regulation knowledge — Customs requirements, Road Transport, Imports/Exports
• Experience with CWI
• Customer focused
• Microsoft Office applications
• Communication skills — written and spoken
• Interpersonal skills
• Influencing skills
• Negotiation skills
• Planning and organizing skills.
• Minimum 3 — 5 years' experience in Ocean Freight
• Education - Matric

We offer:

• Opportunities in a global company where you can contribute your ideas and skills to move towards our shared goals.
• Possible further career development
• Competitive salary