Overview
Logistics Specialist Jobs in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa at MTALX
Title: Logistics Specialist
Company: MTALX
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Location: Johannesburg
Supporting: London-based International Trading Team
Company: MTALX
About MTALX
MTALX is an international metals and ferro-alloys trading group supplying raw materials used in the manufacture of steel and aluminium worldwide. Headquartered in London, the company operates across multiple jurisdictions and manages global physical shipments in a fast-moving trading environment.
We are seeking a Johannesburg-based Traffic Operator to support our London metals trading desk in the execution of international contracts and shipments.
This is a key operational role within a dynamic commodity trading business.
Role Overview
The Traffic Operator will be responsible for the end-to-end coordination and execution of international shipments, ensuring contracts are performed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with banking and regulatory requirements.
The role requires daily coordination with traders, suppliers, freight forwarders, warehouses, banks, and customers across multiple time zones.
Key Responsibilities
Shipment Execution
- Arrange and coordinate global road, sea and multimodal transport.
- Book vessels, containers, trucks and freight forwarders in line with contract terms.
- Monitor shipment schedules and proactively manage delays.
- Track cargo movements and provide regular updates to traders and customers.
Documentation & Compliance
- Prepare and issue Shipping Instructions and Bill of Lading instructions.
- Review and verify shipping documents including:
o Bills of Lading
o Commercial Invoices
o Packing Lists
o Certificates of Origin (COO / EUR1)
o Assay and inspection certificates
- Ensure documentation complies with contractual and regulatory requirements.
- Support compliance with Letters of Credit where applicable.
Banking & Finance Coordination
- Liaise with finance team regarding cargo releases and document presentations.
- Ensure documentation is accurate and submitted within required timelines.
- Assist with financing applications where required.
Warehouse & Inventory Coordination
- Issue storage and release instructions to warehouses.
- Monitor inventory movements and reconcile stock positions.
- Manage position to avoid demurrage, detention and storage costs.
Trader & Customer Support
- Act as operational support to assigned traders.
- Maintain clear communication with customers regarding shipment status.
- Identify and escalate operational risks early to protect contract performance.
Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years’ relevant experience in international logistics, shipping, freight forwarding or commodity traffic.
- Experience working with global freight forwarders and shipping lines.
- Understanding of international trade documentation and Incoterms.
- Experience with banking documentation or Letters of Credit is advantageous.
- Strong organisational skills and high attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard logistics systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business or related field preferred but not essential.
Personal Attributes
- Detail-oriented and methodical.
- Proactive and solutions-driven.
- Commercially aware.
- Able to work independently while supporting an international team.
- Comfortable working across time zones.
What We Offer
- Full training on in-house software.
- Exposure to international metals trading markets.
- Direct support of an experienced London-based trading team.
- Dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment.
- Opportunity for professional development within a growing international business.
