Overview
Sea Freight Coordinator – Fresh Produce Exports Jobs in Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa at United Exports
Title: Sea Freight Coordinator – Fresh Produce Exports
Company: United Exports
Location: Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa
Are you meticulous, highly organised, and passionate about export documentation? Do you thrive in a fast-paced fresh produce environment where accuracy and compliance are critical? We’re looking for a detail‑orientated Seafreight Coordinator to join our logistics team, with a strong focus on export documentation and customer support.
About The Role
The Seafreight Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely execution of sea export documentation for fresh produce shipments. This position is heavily documentation-focused, requiring excellent attention to detail, strong follow‑up skills, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders across origin and destination markets.
You’ll be responsible for maintaining document integrity from shipment through to final delivery, supporting international customers and agents, and ensuring a seamless end‑to‑end export process.
Key Performance Outputs
Seafreight Documentation (Core Focus)
- Prepare, check, and manage all sea export documentation with a high level of accuracy
- Execute and distribute final loading notifications to clients and clearing agents
- Liaise closely with freight forwarders, origin agents, and regulatory bodies
- Ensure documents meet customer, market, and regulatory requirements
- Follow up on documentation amendments and outstanding paperwork
- Ensure all documents are received, saved, and distributed to the correct stakeholders
Shipment & Delivery Tracking
- Monitor vessel ETD, ATD, ETA, and ATA milestones
- Track containers and deliveries at destination markets
- Follow up on Proof of Deliveries (PODs)
- Handle delivery queries, planning, and system capturing
Customer & Stakeholder Communication
- Communicate shipment updates, allocations, and delivery statuses to customers
- Liaise with destination agents, transporters, and internal commercial teams
- Respond timeously to internal, customer, and agent queries
System & Process Management
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date information on the ERP system
- Assist with destination transport arrangements where required
- Support additional logistics functions as needed
RequirementsEducation / Qualification
- Grade 12 / Senior Certificate (Matric) and a Suitable tertiary qualification
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in the fruit export industry, with a strong focus on sea freight and export documentation
Technical / Functional
- Strong computer literacy (MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Excellent email and written communication skills
- Solid understanding of export procedures, shipping processes, and Incoterms
- Experience with export systems and documentation workflows
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
Behavioural / Personal Attributes
- Highly organised with strong planning skills
- Accountable, reliable, and able to work with minimal supervision
- Customer-focused with a solutions-driven mindset
- Calm under pressure during peak export seasons
- Professional, discreet, and tactful in communication
- Willingness to work extended hours during peak season
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a dynamic fresh produce export environment
- A role ideal for someone who enjoys structure, accuracy, and documentation excellence
- Exposure to international markets, customers, and global supply chains
- Collaborative team culture with opportunities to build strong industry relationships