Port Operations & Logistics Specialist

Port operations and logistics involve the complex coordination of activities required to move cargo efficiently through ports. This includes vessel scheduling, cargo handling, equipment management, documentation, customs clearance, and ensuring smooth integration between sea, road, and rail transport.

What You'll Do: Coordinate the loading and unloading of vessels, plan cargo stowage, liaise with shipping agents, and ensure efficient terminal operations. Monitor cargo movement from vessel to storage to final destination.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan vessel berthing and cargo operations schedules
• Coordinate with stevedores, equipment operators, and shipping agents
• Monitor cargo handling to ensure efficiency and safety
• Prepare operational reports and documentation
• Resolve operational issues and delays
• Ensure compliance with safety and security protocols

Requirements:

• Diploma/Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Maritime Studies
• 1-3 years experience in port or logistics operations (entry-level roles available)
• Understanding of cargo types and handling procedures
• Strong communication and coordination skills
• Proficiency in port management systems
• Shift work availability (ports operate 24/7)

Salary Range: R15,000-R28,000/month

Work Locations: Durban, Cape Town, Richards Bay, Port Elizabeth, East London, Ngqura

Career Path: Progress to Senior Coordinator to Operations Supervisor to Terminal Manager

What You'll Do: Develop operational plans for terminal activities, optimize equipment utilization, schedule vessel operations, and coordinate resources to maximize efficiency and minimize vessel turnaround times.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create daily and weekly operational plans
• Optimize yard layouts and container/cargo positioning
• Schedule cranes, reach stackers, and other equipment
• Plan workforce allocation for each shift
• Monitor KPIs and identify improvement opportunities
• Coordinate with shipping lines on vessel schedules

Requirements:

• Degree/Diploma in Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or Operations Management
• 2-4 years port planning or logistics experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in planning software and MS Excel
• Understanding of terminal operations and equipment capabilities
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines

Salary Range: R20,000-R35,000/month

Work Locations: Major container terminals-Durban, Cape Town, Ngqura

What You'll Do: Manage vessel movements within port waters, coordinate berthing and unberthing operations, communicate with ship captains and pilots, and ensure safe navigation within the port.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor vessel traffic in port waters using VTS systems
• Coordinate with harbor pilots for vessel movements
• Allocate berths based on vessel schedules and cargo requirements
• Communicate with ships via VHF radio
• Respond to marine emergencies and coordinate assistance
• Maintain accurate records of vessel movements

Requirements:

• Maritime qualification or diploma in Port Operations
• VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) certification (training provided)
• 1-3 years experience in marine operations or navigation
• Excellent communication skills (English essential)
• Ability to make quick decisions under pressure
• Shift work including nights and weekends

Salary Range: R18,000-R32,000/month

Work Locations: TNPA operations at all major ports

What You'll Do: Supervise day-to-day terminal operations, manage teams of general workers and operators, ensure safety compliance, and coordinate with various stakeholders to achieve operational targets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise cargo handling and equipment operations
• Manage shift teams (20-100+ workers)
• Conduct safety briefings and ensure PPE compliance
• Monitor operational performance and productivity
• Address operational challenges and conflicts
• Liaise with clients, shipping agents, and internal departments
• Prepare shift reports and incident documentation

Requirements:

• Diploma/Degree in Logistics, Operations Management, or Maritime Studies
• 3-5 years port operations experience
• Proven supervisory or team leadership experience
• Strong understanding of port equipment and operations
• Safety certification (advantageous)
• Leadership and conflict resolution skills

Salary Range: R25,000-R40,000/month

Work Locations: All Transnet ports and terminals

Career Path: Progress to Terminal Manager to Operations Manager to Port Manager

What You'll Do: Analyse operational data, identify efficiency improvements, coordinate multi-modal transport (sea-rail-road), manage cargo documentation, and support supply chain optimisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Track and analyse operational KPIs
• Coordinate intermodal transport connections
• Optimize cargo routing and scheduling
• Prepare performance reports for management
• Identify bottlenecks and propose solutions
• Support continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements:

• Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or Business
• 2-4 years logistics or supply chain experience
• Strong analytical skills and data proficiency (Excel, BI tools)
• Understanding of maritime logistics and supply chains
• Process improvement knowledge (Lean/Six Sigma advantageous)
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills

Salary Range: R20,000-R38,000/month

Work Locations: Port headquarters and terminal offices

What You'll Do: Serve as primary contact for shipping lines and cargo owners, process documentation, handle customer inquiries, coordinate cargo movements, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond to customer inquiries about cargo status and services
• Process booking requests and cargo documentation
• Coordinate with operations teams on customer requirements
• Resolve customer complaints and service issues
• Provide rate quotes and service information
• Maintain customer records and communication logs

Requirements:

• Diploma/Degree in Business, Logistics, or related field
• 1-3 years customer service experience (logistics/shipping preferred)
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems
• Understanding of shipping terminology and processes
• Problem-solving and customer-focused mindset

Salary Range: R15,000-R25,000/month

Work Locations: Port offices at major terminals

What You'll Do: Oversee all terminal operations, manage large teams, set strategic objectives, ensure financial performance, maintain client relationships, and drive operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage overall terminal operations and performance
• Lead teams of supervisors, coordinators, and operations staff
• Develop and implement operational strategies
• Manage terminal budgets and financial targets
• Build relationships with key clients and shipping lines
• Ensure safety, security, and environmental compliance
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation

Requirements:

• Degree in Logistics, Business Management, Maritime Studies, or Engineering
• 7-10+ years port operations experience with 3-5 years in management
• Proven track record in operational leadership
• Financial management and P&L responsibility experience
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills

Salary Range: R50,000-R80,000+/month

Work Locations: Major container and bulk terminals

What You'll Do: Oversee end-to-end supply chain processes for port operations, manage vendor relationships, optimise inventory and equipment availability, and coordinate with engineering and procurement teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop supply chain strategies for terminal operations
• Manage equipment and spare parts inventory
• Coordinate with suppliers and service providers
• Optimise procurement processes and costs
• Ensure equipment availability for operations
• Implement supply chain technologies and systems

Requirements:

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business
• 5-8 years supply chain/procurement experience
• Port or heavy equipment industry experience preferred
• Strategic sourcing and contract management skills
• ERP/SAP proficiency
• Strong negotiation and relationship management abilities

Salary Range: R45,000-R70,000/month

Work Locations: Port headquarters and regional offices