To manage and coordinate all port-side coal operations at Durban, ensuring the efficient offloading, stockpiling, and loading of third-party coal for export. The Port Superintendent plays a critical role in ensuring operational compliance, maintaining safety standards, and reconciling tonnages between deliveries and vessel loadings
Key Responsibilities:
Port Operations Management
Oversee coal deliveries from third-party mines to the port via road and rail, ensuring accurate offloading and correct stockpile allocation
Manage and monitor vessel loading operations to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to contractual timelines and coal specifications
Manage the process of all discrepancies and ensure the team rectifies
Coordinate daily activities with ship agents, Transnet, surveyors, and terminal operators to optimise vessel turnaround and prevent demurrage
Ensure correct application of loading instructions, blending plans, and sampling protocols
Ensure non contamination of cargo by ensuring cargo is offloaded at correct stockpiles
Develop operations processes to support movement of product forecasting
Stockpiling
Ensure proper stockpile and quality management at various sites in Durban
Ensure combustion of stockpiles is adequately managed to counter burning of cargo
Ensure stockpiles are kept a distance apart to eliminate any contaminations
Ensure no contamination of coal takes place. Report any contamination of coal immediately
Load & Tonnage Reconciliation
Conduct daily reconciliations between received loads, weighbridge records, and shipped tonnages
Identify and resolve discrepancies between mine dispatch figures, port stockpile volumes, and vessel outturns
Work closely with internal teams to ensure accurate stock control and invoicing
Ensure all load data, slips, and delivery documentation are captured and stored systematically
Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Compliance
Enforce health and safety protocols in accordance with company policies, Transnet Port Authority requirements, and legislative guidelines
Conduct risk assessments, safety inductions, and toolbox talks for on-site team
Monitor operations for unsafe behaviour or conditions and take corrective action
Ensure investigations are held within 24 hours of incidents and contaminations. These to be recorded officially and kept on file
Maintain incident logs, safety reports, and assist in investigations where necessary
Ensure all Personnel working on site have done inductions and medicals kept on record
Contractor & Team Supervision
Supervise port supervisors, flagmen, weighbridge operators, equipment handlers, and other service providers involved in port operations
Monitor and evaluate contractor performance and escalate non-compliance or service delays
Facilitate coordination between security, logistics, and external handling teams
Reporting & Documentation
Submit daily and weekly operational reports, including vessel updates, cargo movement, and reconciliation summaries
Maintain accurate documentation for audit trail purposes, including weighbridge slips, loading manifests, and quality certificates
Support internal departments with required information for stock, billing, and reporting purposes
Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as the company's lead representative at the port, ensuring professional communication with Transnet, TFR, warehouse and terminal staff
Proactively address operational disruptions, quality claims, or delays with all relevant parties
Represent the company in port operational meetings and contribute to improvement discussions
Closely monitor and execute all instructions received from coal operations team. Work closely with the coal operations team to ensure seamless cargo delivery and exit
Minimum Requirements:
Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field (NQF Level 6+)
Minimum 8 years' experience in port, shipping, or coal logistics operations
Experience in managing rail operations
Proven experience in stock, load, and tonnage reconciliation
Familiarity with coal sampling, handling equipment
Strong understanding of HSE regulations and incident management protocols
Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder coordination skills
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and operational reporting tools
Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, or shifts based on vessel schedules