Shipping Coordinator

**Purpose of the role**:
Plan, organize, review, and control operations. EHS and comply with statutory and regulatory requirements. Manage the discharge port operations for bulk cementitious materials (e.g., clinker, cement, fly ash, GGBS, slag). The role involves end-to-end coordination with cargo agents, vessel crew, port authorities, and cargo receivers to ensure the efficient, safe, and compliant handling of bulk materials during vessel discharge. This role involves leading and coordinating all aspects of the shipping activities to achieve targets, quality standards, and operational excellence. You will be accountable for managing resources, implementing strategies, and ensuring adherence to safety and environmental regulations.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Coordinate with port authorities, cargo agents, and ship owners to confirm berth availability and align vessel laycan dates.
- Maintain up-to-date vessel schedules and proactively communicate expected arrival/discharge timelines with all stakeholders.
- Ensure complete and timely preparation, submission, and tracking of all port documentation (e.g., Notice of Readiness, Statement of Facts, Arrival Notice, Bill of Lading, Cargo Manifest).
- Serve as a liaison between the shipping line, port authority, customs, and cargo receivers to streamline documentation flow and vessel clearance.
- Monitor and manage vessel nomination, laytime commencement, and clearance processes to minimize demurrage exposure.
- Cross-check charter party agreements and discharge terms to ensure operational alignment and contractual compliance.
- Facilitate surveyor appointments, sampling requirements, and issuance of quality certificates and weight records.
- Maintain accurate records of vessel documentation, schedules, laytime calculations, and port charges.
- Support internal teams with vessel updates and documentation required for post-discharge inland movement.
- Coordinate and oversee vessel discharge operations of bulk cementitious materials, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency.
- Act as the primary liaison between vessel crew, stevedores, port authorities, customs, surveyors, and cargo receivers.
- Plan and prepare for vessel arrival by organizing discharge schedules, berth allocation, and equipment (e.g., conveyors, hoppers).
- Ensure proper handling of material to minimize losses, contamination, and environmental impact.
- Verify and process all necessary documentation (e.g., Bill of Lading, discharge instructions, material quality certificates, weighbridge records).
- Monitor cargo flow from vessel to storage or transport vehicles (bulk trucks) and coordinate onward dispatch with the inland logistics team.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards specific to bulk powder handling at port.
- Maintain accurate logs, discharge reports, and communicate daily progress to internal and external stakeholders.

Health & Safety:

- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations and promote a safe working culture within the grinding unit.
- Conduct regular safety audits, identify potential hazards, and implement preventive measures to mitigate risks.
- Champion sustainability initiatives and drive environmental stewardship by implementing energy-saving measures and waste reduction strategies.

Other duties include:

- Assets capacity and flexibility while minimizing unnecessary costs and maintaining current quality standards.
- Allocate resources effectively and fully utilize assets to produce optimal results.

**Minimum Requirements**:

- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Maritime Studies, Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in bulk shipping or port operations, ideally with cementitious or powder materials.
- Familiarity with port authority protocols, customs procedures, and vessel logistics.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficient in MS Office and port/shipping operations software.
- Knowledge of environmental compliance related to cementitious dust and bulk material handling.
- Advanced practical technical knowledge of processes, preventative, and running maintenance.
- Technically equipped with knowledge of machinery/equipment.
- Strategic thinker.
- Interpersonal skills and high-level attention to detail.
- Experience in handling materials like clinker, OPC, slag, fly ash, or other powdered cementitious products.
- Ability to lead port-side teams and manage third-party contractors effectively.
- Comfortable working extended hours, weekends, and during vessel operations.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to act decisively under pressure.

For more information please contact:
**Siphokazi August