Sea Freight Coordinator

About Alistair Group

Alistair Group stands as one of the fastest expanding service enterprises across East and Southern Africa, delivering a broad range of self-managed logistics services in multiple regions. Guided by the mission to enhance Africa's operational efficiency, the group specializes in road freight, warehousing, commodity trading, and operational leasing of material handling equipment. Continuously pioneering additional ancillary services for vertical growth, Alistair Group intertwines business innovation with entrepreneurial spirit. In 2024, the company surpassed the milestone of employing over 1000 personnel and owns a trucking fleet with more than 1000 vehicles. With a forward-thinking growth agenda, the Group anticipates further sizable expansions to deepen its continental impact.

Core Services

• Freight Forwarding
• Clearance & Forwarding
• Energy Industry Support Services
• Equipment Rental
• Commodity Trading
• Integrated Solutions
• Warehousing
• Ocean Freight

Industries Served

• Mining
• Oil & Gas
• Agriculture
• Construction
• Explosives
• Renewables

Vision and Values

Alistair Group aims to be recognized as the company that makes Africa work better, operating with core values of honesty, customer focus, continuous improvement, humility, and safety.

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate complete sea freight operations for both imports and exports, ensuring flawless shipment management.
• Book cargo space with shipping lines, consolidators, and freight forwarders efficiently.
• Track vessel schedules and shipment progress closely to guarantee punctual deliveries.
• Oversee container handling—including loading, unloading, and movements—collaborating with ports, depots, and transport teams.
• Manage and verify all sea freight documentation such as bills of lading, manifests, commercial invoices, and packing lists.
• Ensure full adherence to customs, port authority regulations, and international shipping standards.
• Keep accurate documentation and prepare records accessible for audits or client inquiries.
• Communicate shipment status regularly to clients, partners, and internal stakeholders, promptly resolving operational issues by liaising with shipping lines, customs brokers, port officials, and warehouses.
• Alert management about any delays, exceptions, or risks related to freight operations.
• Validate freight costs, detention/demurrage fees, and port charges and assist with invoice verification to ensure compliance with agreements.
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures through optimal planning and carrier selection.
• Promote compliance with safety, legal, and company policies throughout sea freight operations, including cargo security, container integrity, and hazardous material regulations as applicable.
• Support customs clearance by providing precise and timely documentation.
• Compile shipment performance reports daily, weekly, and monthly covering delays and key performance indicators.
• Contribute to management efforts for process enhancement, SOP updates, and coordination of the team.
• Assist cross-departmental teams during periods of high operational demand.

Qualifications & Skills

• Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 2 to 3 years of experience specifically in sea freight operations handling imports and/or exports.
• Comprehensive knowledge of international sea freight procedures and Incoterms.
• Familiarity with customs processes and port operations is highly beneficial.
• Experience coordinating with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and clearing agents.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Strong detail orientation with outstanding administrative capabilities.
• Capacity to handle pressure and juggle multiple shipments simultaneously.

Additional Information

The company holds the discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process at any point without prior notice. Participation in aptitude tests, assessments, or interviews does not guarantee employment offers. Candidates should note that advancing through recruitment stages does not assure future employment with the organization.