Export Controller | Meridian Wine Distribution | Brackenfell

Meridian Wine Distribution is looking for an organised, detail-oriented and customer-focused Export Controller to join our Operations team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing export orders from receipt through to delivery, ensuring accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, customer communication and coordination with multiple internal and external stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys ensuring export operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Export Order Processing

• Capture export orders accurately and within required cut-off times on the Business Central (BC) system.
• Capture sales quotations and convert them into sales orders in accordance with company procedures.
• Process export order confirmations and manage export-related email correspondence.
• Handle telephonic and email enquiries relating to export orders.
• Monitor on-hold customer accounts and escalate finance-related queries where required.

Export Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare accurate pro-forma invoices, commercial invoices and all supporting export documentation.
• Coordinate DAFF notifications, Declarations of Loading and certificate requirements where applicable.
• Manage bonded stock processes, including ZIB arrangements, SAWIS 6 documentation and SARS declarations.
• Ensure all export documentation complies with company procedures and destination country requirements.
• Maintain accurate export records and supporting documentation for audit and compliance purposes.

Customer Service & Relationship Management

• Respond to customer queries professionally and within agreed service levels.
• Provide customers with regular updates on order status, documentation requirements and shipment progress.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with export customers, clients and service providers.
• Support new export customers with account creation and onboarding requirements.
• Resolve customer issues promptly or escalate where necessary.

Export Delivery Coordination

• Follow up on Proof of Deliveries (PODs) for all export orders.
• Investigate and resolve delivery exceptions.
• Coordinate the delivery of promotional and POS materials where required.
• Liaise with Procurement regarding export stock availability and customer requirements.
• Ensure customer delivery requirements are met within agreed timelines.

Internal Stakeholder Coordination

• Work closely with Procurement, Warehouse, Transport, Finance, Credit, Demand Planning, Inventory
• Planning and POD teams to ensure successful execution of export orders.
• Coordinate activities across departments to minimise delays and ensure efficient order fulfilment.
• Escalate operational issues that could impact customer service, costs or delivery performance.

Cost Control & Risk Management

• Assist in maintaining cost-effective export operations.
• Reduce financial risk by ensuring accurate order capture and documentation.
• Identify and escalate documentation gaps, compliance risks and operational issues promptly.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within export operations.

Systems & Administration

• Utilise Business Central (BC), email and other export administration systems accurately.
• Maintain accurate customer and export records.
• Plan and prioritise workload to meet daily operational deadlines.
• Ensure high levels of accuracy across all administrative tasks.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with export regulations, company policies and customer requirements.
• Adhere to DAFF, SAWIS, bonded stock and SARS regulatory requirements.Complete all mandatory
• Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and Cyber Security training.
• Maintain confidentiality of customer and company information.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• An export qualification or export-related training will be advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience within an export administration or export operations environment.
• Strong knowledge of export documentation and export procedures.
• Understanding of DAFF processes, bonded stock procedures, SAWIS documentation and export regulations.
• Experience working with ERP systems (Business Central experience will be advantageous).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
• Excellent planning, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Valid Code B driver's licence.
• Own reliable transport.

Skills & Competencies

• Export order management
• Export documentation and compliance
• Customer relationship management
• Planning and organisation
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving
• Adaptability
• Effective communication
• Time management
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

If you meet the above requirements and are looking to join a dynamic team supporting international wine exports, we encourage you to apply.