Key Responsibilities
Ocean Freight (Import & Export)
Solicit, negotiate, and compare quotes directly from shipping lines and NVOCCs for both import and export shipments.
Manage all booking confirmations, shipping instructions, and document submissions with carriers.
Build and maintain working relationships with key shipping line contacts to secure competitive rates and reliable service.
Support the company's growing export activity by establishing reliable freight partnerships and competitive rate structures.
Airfreight Management
Upon order confirmation, independently manage end-to-end airfreight bookings to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
Select appropriate airlines and freight forwarders, negotiate rates, and track shipments through to delivery.
Escalate delays proactively and propose solutions to minimise supply disruption.
Courier & DHL Management
Manage the company\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s relationship with DHL as the primary courier partner for both document and consignment movements.
Ensure the account is used optimally — right service levels, correct billing, and timely dispatch.
Periodically review courier usage and flag opportunities to consolidate or switch service types for savings.
Export Documentation & Compliance
Manage all export documentation requirements, ensuring accuracy and timely submission across all destination types.
ECOWAS Exports: For exports within ECOWAS: prepare and coordinate all required trade and transit documentation (waybills, ECOWAS certificates, packing lists, commercial invoices); liaise with the customer\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s nominated transporter to ensure documentation is complete and correct before departure; track consignments through to confirmed delivery.
Intercontinental Exports: For exports outside ECOWAS: manage full export documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and any destination-country requirements; liaise with freight forwarders and shipping lines to ensure clean documentation ahead of vessel or aircraft departure.
Flag documentation gaps early to avoid delays at border crossings (ECOWAS) or port of loading (intercontinental).
Maintain awareness of current ECOWAS trade protocols and intercontinental export compliance requirements relevant to the company\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s goods.
Shipment Tracking & Internal Reporting
Maintain a live shipment tracking log covering all active ocean, air, courier, and ECOWAS export movements.
Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders on ETAs, delays, and status changes.
Produce a weekly/monthly shipment summary report for management.
Freight Cost Analysis
Record and track all freight spend across carriers and modes.
Benchmark quotes over time to identify cost trends and savings opportunities.
Provide periodic analysis to management comparing budgeted vs actual freight costs, and recommend preferred carriers based on performance and price.
Supplier & Incoterms Coordination
Advise internally on appropriate incoterms for each shipment type.
Issue clear shipping instructions to overseas suppliers and follow up to ensure compliance.
Person Specification
4 - 8 years ' experience in freight forwarding, shipping, or logistics coordination
Existing relationships with shipping lines operating out of Nigeria is a strong advantage; candidate should be comfortable engaging carriers directly rather than relying solely on freight forwarders.
Working knowledge of export documentation requirements, ECOWAS trade protocols, and Nigerian customs procedures.
Comfortable negotiating rates and managing supplier and carrier relationships independently.
Strong organisational skills — able to track multiple shipments simultaneously without dropping the ball.
Proficient in Excel or Google Sheets for tracking and reporting.
Good written communication — most carrier and supplier interactions are conducted by email.