Senior Import/Export Operations Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Receive shipment transmissions and alerts, checking and confirming details in Cargo sphere - CWI.
• Prepare, control, and distribute all required import or export documents to relevant counterparts (carrier, consignee, shipper) complying with regulations.
• Arrange collection with origin stations for imports and coordinate with shippers for export shipments.
• Finalize validation of documents based on responses from counterparts.
• Process booking confirmations from origin stations or carriers within 24 hours and communicate these to clients.
• Conduct quality checks on draft bills of lading 2-3 days before Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) and secure customer approval.
• Create and confirm transport orders to ensure final delivery for imports.
• Request and manage commercial invoices, packing lists, and other relevant documents for cargo clearance.
• Continuously monitor and verify ETA details with shipping lines.
• Address and resolve any shipment discrepancies within the shortest possible time.
• Send status and tracking reports to customers and relevant destination/origin offices.
• Update mandatory CWI milestones accurately and within specified timelines.
• Coordinate cargo movement to meet stipulated time frames and customer needs.
• Maintain and develop customer relationships, supporting sales and account management with incident and exception handling.
• Address financial exception management reports (e.g., Sick Files, Role 3, Unbilled) within deadlines.
• Support the OFR Team Leader with system implementations and supervision of team activities during peak periods.
• Align Ocean Cross Trade processes with origin and destination offices and update SOPs for African country requirements.

Requirements

• Education: BA/BSc/HND qualification; Matric.
• Experience: Minimum 3 - 5 years of experience specifically in Ocean Freight.
• Technical Knowledge: Regulation knowledge of Customs requirements, Road Transport, and Imports/Exports.
• Software: Hands-on experience with CWI (Cargo Wise One) and Microsoft Office applications.

Skills

• Strong customer focus.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Strong negotiation abilities.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the official DHL careers portal at careers.dhl.com. Ensure your application highlights your experience in Ocean Freight and CWI systems.