Junior Operations Assistant

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day execution of containerised and bulk cargo shipments.
• Coordinate logistics and transport arrangements relating to cargo movements and deliveries.
• Liaise with transporters, logistics providers, agents, warehouses, surveyors, customers and suppliers.
• Monitor shipping schedules, transport movements, stock trackers and delivery timelines.
• Follow up proactively on delayed shipments, outstanding deliveries and operational requirements.
• Assist with logistics updates, stock reports and operational reporting.
• Prepare, check, collate and distribute trade, shipping and transport documentation.
• Review operational documents, including inspection reports, assay certificates, weight notes and shipping documents.
• Assist with preparing and checking Letters of Credit and contract-related documentation.
• Check invoices, supporting documentation and operational cost records.
• Maintain accurate filing systems, templates, records and document-control processes.
• Ensure that information recorded on spreadsheets and operational trackers is complete and accurate.
• Communicate operational updates clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide general administrative and operational support to the wider operations team.
• Assist with ensuring that shipments, transport arrangements and operational processes are completed accurately and on time.

Minimum Requirements

• Fluent in Afrikaans, with the ability to speak and understand the language confidently.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or recent graduate status.
• Up to one to two years’ experience in operations, logistics, transport coordination, shipping, freight forwarding, administration or a related environment.
• Strong logistics and transport coordination experience.
• Experience liaising with transporters, logistics service providers, warehouses or related operational stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and document accuracy.
• Ability to work accurately in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to follow up proactively on outstanding operational matters.
• Comfortable working with spreadsheets, trackers and operational documentation. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional and confident when dealing with internal and external stakeholders.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Strong willingness to learn.
• An interest in commodity trading, shipping, logistics and international operations.
• Willing and able to work from the office in Kenilworth, Cape Town.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Highly organised and dependable.
• Detail-oriented, with a disciplined approach to document accuracy.
• Strong logistics and transport coordination ability.
• Accurate and methodical when working with operational information.
• Positive, flexible and willing to support the wider team.
• Calm under pressure.
• Able to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Proactive and responsible.
• Strong follow-up and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.
• Eager to learn and develop within an operations career.