Logistics and Customer Service Manager

SUMMARY:

A global leader in the agricultural distribution chain is seeking the above to oversee logistics operations, ensuring timely deliveries and customer satisfaction while managing relationships with service providers and optimizing inventory levels.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in customer service, logistics, or supply chain roles within the crop protection, agricultural, or related industry, including managing complex logistics networks
• Direct experience working in or managing logistics for the South African market, with a deep understanding of local regulatory, customs, and distribution requirements is essential
• Understanding of the crop protection or agricultural industry, including familiarity with logistics and distribution requirements specific to South Africa, is advantageous
• Proven experience managing end-to-end logistics, including freight coordination (sea, air, road), warehousing, customs clearance, and inventory management is required
• Ability to maintain high standards of customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment and managing communications with customers and suppliers effectively
• Capability to assess and optimize processes, reducing costs, and improving efficiency within logistics and customer service functions
• Proficiency in analyzing freight quotes and selecting cost-effective options that maintain a balance of delivery timing, cost, and service quality is essential
• Familiarity with ERP systems, ideally with experience in Sage ERP or other similar platforms, for efficient order and inventory management
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, for data tracking, reporting, and inventory analysis is required
• Must have a history of implementing process enhancements that improved efficiency, reduced costs, or elevated customer satisfaction
• Experience in managing logistics or customer service projects, with an ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under pressure is important
• Highly detailed and organized with an ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously, including but not limited to Incoterms and payment terms
• Fluency in both written and spoken English is required for effective communication with international and local partners, customers, and internal teams
• Proficiency in Afrikaans is a plus, given the potential need to engage with local stakeholders

• Overseeing logistics activities, including sea, air, and road freight, warehousing, customs clearance, and insurance.
• Developing relationships with logistics service providers and coordinating order placement, tracking, and issue resolution.
• Capturing and monitoring customer sales orders, delivery notes, and proof of deliveries, keeping track records of sales and purchase flow, providing invoices to customers, and assisting the accounting department in State of Account reconciliation when necessary.
• Ensuring timely deliveries and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Serving as the primary contact for customers and suppliers, addressing inquiries and managing order-related logistics activities.
• Managing warehousing operations, ensuring optimal inventory levels and effective stock rotation.
• Implementing inventory management best practices, regularly reviewing stock levels to meet market demands.
• Formalizing and documenting logistics and customer service processes, proposing and implementing optimizations to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, enhancing service levels.
• Engaging with local customers, gathering feedback to tailor logistics and customer service practices to South African market needs.
• Working closely with the Mauritius-based team to ensure alignment on customer service standards and process improvements.
• Comparing freight quotes and selecting the most suitable options, ensuring the best balance of on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and service quality.
• Maintaining relationships with freight providers to stay updated on market rates and negotiate terms that align with business objectives.