Senior Vessels Operations Officer

COFCO International is a global agri-business with a clear vision, strong values and a positive culture, focused on being a leader in the global grains, oilseeds and sugar supply chains. We provide the food the world needs in a responsible way. Headquartered is Geneva, Switzerland, we are ambitious, with the right structures and culture to meet the world's increasing and changing needs. With 11,000+ people in 35 countries, our global portfolio includes assets across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. We trade with over 50 nations, while providing farmers unique direct access to the growing Chinese market.

Company: COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Vacancy:  Senior Vessel Operations Officer

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Department: International Operations: Vessels

Job purpose:

To lead and optimize Vessel operations within COFCO's agricultural commodity business, ensuring seamless import/export operations, follow-up all aspects of international contract execution and logistics associated with physical cargo delivery, while maintaining regulatory compliance. The role drives operational excellence through strategic supply chain management, cost optimization, risk mitigation and delivering excellent customer service, to support the company's growth objectives.

Key Performance Areas:

1. Vessel Operations Management

• Manage efficient vessel operations, execution of contracts and monitoring shipment for imports/exports while optimizing cost performance.
• Ensure overall execution from origin to final destinations in accordance with contract terms and conditions. This includes, amongst others, ensuring notices sent/received in time, following up of loading and discharging operations, applicable and adequate financial security of payment in place and compliant with contractual terms before goods delivery, documents handling etc.
• Stock management, insurance declaration, follow up and settlement of claims.
• Record daily trading Operations in our Integrated Trading system and other corporate portals.
• Close coordination with Traders and ensure smooth flow of information between various departments such as, Credit Risk, Trade Finance, Accounting, Insurance & Legal and other corporate Departments.

2. Supply Chain Optimization

• Manage, develop and implement cost-effective supply chain strategies to reduce storage and handling costs while improving distribution efficiency.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

• Manage and maintain 100% compliance with agricultural regulations and minimize operational risks through proactive risk management.

4. Customer Relationship Management

• Manage and deliver exceptional customer service with suppliers, customers, inspection companies etc., while maintaining strong relationships that support business growth and customer retention.

5. International Operations Business Development

• Identify and develop new opportunities to enhance marketability of COFCO commodities and support business growth.

6. People Management and Team Development

• Lead, develop, and manage the vessel operations team to ensure optimal performance, capability building, and employee engagement that supports operational excellence and organisational objectives.

Minimum Criteria:

• Grade 12
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or related field
• 5 years minimum experience in agricultural commodity operations, essential exposure to grains, oil seeds commodity
• Professional certifications in Logistics / Vessel operations or compliance management preferred

Skills, Knowledge and Experience required:

• 3-5 years proven experience in vessel operations and international trade
• 3-5 years proven experience in supervisory / team leadership
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and relevant IT systems
• Knowledge of international trade regulations and phytosanitary requirements
• Strong background in regulatory compliance and risk management
• Experience with transportation coordination and contract management

Advantageous requirements:

• Certified Supply Chain Professional -membership (CSCP)
• Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Maritime/Shipping qualifications or certifications

Competencies

• Deciding and Initiating Action
• Strong Analytical ability
• Planning and organizing
• Leading and Supervising
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Following Instructions and Procedures
• Adapting and Responding to Change
• Adhering to Principles and Values
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks
• Autonomous
• Pro-active
• Solution oriented
• Achieving Personal Work Goals and Objectives
• Presenting and Communicating Information
• Relating and Networking
• Learning and Researching
• Excellent time management

General

Reports to Global Grains & Oilseeds Operations Manager: EMENA

Salary and Benefits: Market related salary, Provident fund and medical aid benefits.

How to apply 

The company is offering a competitive salary with provident and medical benefits.  Exciting incentive opportunities, a rewarding work environment, product and supply chain knowledge and career growth opportunities for the right candidate.

Interested parties should please submit a comprehensive CV and covering letter, outlining why you feel that you are best suited to the position on the COFCO Careers website https://www.cofcointernational.com/careers/ by searching for vacancies in South Africa, clicking on the listed positions available, and following the prompts when clicking “Apply” on the job description, and answering all related questions in full to complete your application.

Only applications submitted direct on the COFCO Careers website will be considered.

If you do not hear from us within 21 days from date of application, please regard your application as unsuccessful. Only short-listed candidates will be moved through the Talent Pipeline and contacted.

The company appoints in line with our employment equity plan and preference may be given to previously disadvantaged individuals.

Privacy Policy

By contacting COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd., you acknowledge and agree that COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd. has a legitimate business purpose to collect and process your personal information (as defined in Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 and any amendments thereto (“POPIA”)) to review your personal information and to comply with its legal obligations. COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd will process your personal information in accordance with POPIA and in accordance with and the purposes described in COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd.’s privacy policy available at https://www.cofcointernational.com/data-privacy-policy/  You hereby confirm that you have read, understood and agree with the terms of COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd.’s privacy policy, and consent to the processing of your personal information.

COFCO International is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice to know how COFCO collects and processes your personal data during your job application.