Container Yard Operations Controller

JOB PURPOSE:

You will be required to act as the critical link managing, coordinating, and monitoring the end-to-end movement of containers from the port, through transporters to the HCY, and into Pepkor Distribution Centres (DCs). You will ensure seamless execution between clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents, transporters, the container yard, and DC operations within Pepkor Logistics (PKL). By driving efficient container upliftment, accurate tracking, and alignment to DC unpack plans, you will strictly control timelines to minimize operational risk, port storage, and detention.

QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Matric (Grade 12) essential
• Diploma/Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain or related field (preferred)
• Valid Driver’s License with own transport
• 5+ years of experience in transport coordination, port logistics, or retail supply chain operations.
• Minimum 3 years working experience in a leadership / middle management position with proven people management and leadership
• Proven experience working with transporters, C&F agents, and DC operations.
• Experience utilising transport management systems and container tracking systems.
• Proficiency in Yard Management Systems / Logistics Software applications
• Strong analytical skills with experience in KPI monitoring and dashboard management.
• Knowledge of transport regulations.
• Computer literate with Google Cloud Platform (Advantageous)
• Must be able to work shifts and weekends.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Port, Vessel & Transport Planning

• Monitor vessel arrivals, discharge progress, and stack dates for all inbound shipments.
• Track import stack opening and closing times, aligning uplift plans accordingly , and prioritize containers based on DC requirements
• Actively manage Last Free Day (LFD) exposure by escalating risks ahead of time , and liaise with C&F agents to resolve port constraints, releases, assignments, and container stops.
• Allocate containers to approved transporters based on urgency and capacity , ensuring customers' delivery instructions are correctly executed.
• Monitor transporter performance, specifically on-time collections, delivery compliance, and port turnaround times.
• Escalate non-performance or delays to relevant stakeholders immediately , and drive urgency on priority containers involving aged stock, urgent DC demand, or LFD risk.

Yard Operations & DC Integration

• Coordinate container movements into the yard for staging and unpack readiness , ensuring they are staged according to DC-specific unpack plans.
• Validate that containers are correctly sequenced by brand, priority, and plan alignment , and identify and escalate any deviations.
• Monitor container dwell time at HCY, driving a quick turnaround to unpack.
• Align daily container flows with DC intake plans and capacity , coordinating unpack priorities based on stock urgency and DC requirements.
• Ensure the timely delivery of containers from the yard to the respective DC , monitor DC turnaround performance , and escalate any constraints impacting container flow

Cost Control, Tracking & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the central point of coordination between all stakeholders , participating in performance reviews and operational calls , and providing proactive communication on priorities, delays, and risks.
• Maintain end-to-end visibility of containers across the port, in transit, the yard, the DC, and empty return , ensuring real-time updates on systems , and managing exceptions proactively.
• Actively manage and reduce detention and port storage exposure , driving proactive planning to avoid unnecessary cost accumulation.
• Identify root causes for delays across the port, transporter, yard, or DC , ensuring accountability for cost recovery across stakeholders where applicable.
• Compile and distribute daily and weekly reports , analyzing performance trends to highlight inefficiencies and support data-driven decision-making within PKL operations.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI’s)

• On-time container upliftment within stack dates.
• Port extraction within free time to ensure LFD compliance.
• On-time delivery to both HCY and DC , alongside alignment to DC unpack plans.
• HCY staging efficiency and managed dwell time.
• DC turnaround time from arrival to empty return.
• Transporter compliance and turnaround.
• Reduction in detention and demurrage costs.
• Timeliness and accuracy of tracking and reporting
• Analytical process and systems thinking essential
• Proactive approach to problem-solving
• Self-starter willing to show initiative and approach tasks with a “hands-on” attitude
• Ability to thrive under pressure and deadlines
• Ability to function within various teams and environments, but also work independently
• Excellent communication skills
• Presentation skills
• Willing to travel

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work efficiently under pressure
• Awareness combined with Assertiveness
• Strong in problem analysis
• Strong in Reporting abilities

Pepkor Logistics strives for equal opportunity in terms of its employment equity guidelines, candidates with disability are encouraged to apply and an indication in this regard will be appreciated.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date of this position, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience in shipping and freight forwarding processes?
• Do you have a Relevant qualification in Logistics & Supply Chain?
• Do you have proven experience with the coordination, planning and execution of logistical activities?

Education:

• Diploma (Required)

Experience:

• Operations, Transport, Warehousing, Forward & Clearing: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person