Job Scope / Responsibilities
- Prepare and process shipping documents, including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading (B/L), Air Waybills (AWB), permits, Certificates of Origin (COO), and other related documents.
- Coordinate with freight forwarders, transport providers, warehouses, and shipping agents to ensure timely shipment arrangements.
- Arrange import and export bookings and monitor shipment schedules to ensure on-time delivery.
- Ensure all shipping and cargo documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted within the required timelines.
- Track shipment status and provide regular updates to customers and internal departments.
- Liaise with customers, suppliers, shipping agents, freight forwarders, and carriers regarding shipping schedules and delivery requirements.
- Negotiate freight rates and service agreements with logistics providers to achieve cost-effective solutions.
- Resolve shipping delays, cargo damage, customs clearance issues, and other shipment-related matters.
- Prepare and submit customs permit declarations and ensure compliance with customs regulations and international trade requirements.
- Handle Letter of Credit (L/C) documentation, including reviewing L/C terms and ensuring compliance with banking requirements.
- Liaise with banks regarding shipping document submissions, discrepancies, amendments, and other trade finance matters.
- Maintain proper filing and records of shipping documents, customs documentation, and banking-related records.
- Supervise, guide, and mentor junior Shipping Assistants.
- Assign daily operational tasks and monitor work performance of junior Shipping Assistants.
- Support inventory coordination, warehouse operations, and general logistics administrative duties.
- Prepare freight and insurance reports for management review.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance shipping efficiency and accuracy.
- Perform any other ad hoc duties assigned by Management.
Requirements
- Minimum 35years of relevant experience in shipping, logistics, or import/export operations.
- Strong knowledge of international shipping procedures and logistics operations.
- Good understanding of Incoterms (e.g., EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, FCA).
- Knowledge of import/export regulations, customs procedures, and trade compliance.
- Experience in customs permit declaration candidates who have passed the Singapore Customs Permit Declaration Test will have an added advantage.
- Knowledge of Letter of Credit (L/C) documentation and trade finance processes.
- Experience in the logistics, freight forwarding, or shipping industry is preferred.
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and email communication.
- Good command of spoken and written English. Proficiency in Mandarin/Chinese will be an added advantage to liaise with Chinese-speaking customers or suppliers where required.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Good organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
- Leadership skills with experience in guiding or supervising junior staff.
