Customer Manager - Africa at RFG Foods Pty Ltd (2021-10 – Present)
- Receive and process sea and air freight orders from international distributors.
- Ensure sea freight orders comply with agreed pricing structures and liaise with customers to resolve pricing discrepancies.
- Capture and process orders on the system while coordinating with production facilities regarding stock availability, dispatch schedules, co-loading requirements, and additional production needs.
- Communicate with customers regarding shortages, out-of-stock, and discontinued items.
- Prepare and manage export shipping documentation in accordance with country-specific compliance requirements, including commercial invoices, export permits, packing lists, and Certificates of Analysis.
- Coordinate required inspections with production facilities.
- Arrange cartage in a timely and cost-effective manner and ensure stock is delivered to customers in good condition.
- Liaise with freight forwarders and transporters, providing distributors with regular updates on shipments in transit, estimated arrival dates, and delivery times.
- Create transport purchase orders and process GRNs upon receipt of POD documentation.
- Resolve third-party logistics issues, customer queries, and claims relating to African export orders.
- Coordinate the dispatch of marketing materials and point-of-sale items to customers.
- Support the team with in-house clearing processes for road freight orders.
- Serve as Super User for the GTS (Global Trade Solutions) system, providing system support and operational guidance.
- Assist with the preparation and coordination of trade missions and exhibitions, including events such as Gulfood and African trade missions.
- Maintained and updated trackers for all co-op and marketing claims to ensure accurate reporting and follow-up.
- Assisting the debtors department with reconciling monthly remittances and resolving account discrepancies.
- Perform ad hoc duties and provide administrative support to the Africa Commercial Manager.
Commercial Assistant - Africa at RFG Foods Pty Ltd (2017-10 – 2021-09)
- Provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Africa Commercial Manager.
- Manage the placement, planning, and coordination of sea freight orders with multiple warehouses and factories.
- Ensure all export documentation complies with international trade and country-specific regulations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and clients across African markets.
- Coordinate vessel nominations and loading schedules with factories and logistics partners.
- Process orders and generate packing lists using GTS and Syspro systems.
- Process purchase orders, GRNs, and TPOs related to freight and travel expenses.
Commercial Assistant - Africa at Rhodes Food Group (2014-01 – 2017-09)
- Capture and process customer sales orders on SYSPRO ERP, GTS, and Proteus systems.
- Confirm export bookings for Shoprite Holdings orders.
- Track and monitor orders, providing regular status updates to customers.
- Prepare and coordinate all documentation required for third-party inspections.
- Process invoicing for export orders from multiple plants and factories.
- Resolve customer and internal IRL queries and claims relating to African export orders.
Commercial Assistant / Packaging Administrator - International at Rhodes Food Group (2009-12 – 2013-12)
- Managed and maintained sales purchase orders for SFC and Puree divisions.
- Processed invoicing for local and international customers.
- Coordinated label, sticker, and carton development processes.
- Compiled ad hoc reports for the Commercial Manager, including sales reviews, stock reconciliations, and forecast updates.
- Assisted with the planning and coordination of international trade shows (Anuga, SIAL, Gulf Food).
Shipping Clerk at Rhodes Food Group (2007-03 – 2009-11)
- Managed and maintained customer sales orders and related documentation.
- Processed invoicing for customer orders and export shipments.
- Prepared export documentation for banks, customs authorities, and international customers.
- Captured and maintained customer contracts on the Exrillo (Magic System) platform.
- Arranged container bookings and coordinated cartage with shipping lines, warehouse management, and the Labelling Supervisor.
Shipping Department Assistant at Swazican (Swaziland) (2008-07 – 2008-08)
- Assist in Shipping Department whilst Shipping Manager was on maternity leave.
Labeling Supervisor at Rhodes Food Group (2005-11 – 2007-03)
General Assistant at Swazican (Swaziland) (2006-11 – 2007-01)
- Assist with stock taking, compiling reports, recording data at Labeling lines, and ensuring back flushing is done correctly.
Export Assistant at Rhodes Food Group (2005-02 – 2005-10)
Data Capturer in Warehouse at Rhodes Food Group (2002-12 – 2005-02)
