Imports Manager
DHL
South Africa · Gauteng, South Africa · Johannesburg, South Africa
IT’S NOT JUST AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET ON THE CAREER LADDER.
IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THE WORLD GET ON TOGETHER
Why do people call us the world’s most international company? Is it because we operate in more countries than any other logistics provider? Is it because we invented cross border shipping over 45 years ago? Or is it, perhaps, because what we do connects people across the world. And the more we can connect people, the better life on earth becomes.
We love our role in the world. And we’re looking for the right people to help us maintain - and grow it. People like you.
Ready to Lead and Win? Become Our Imports Manager!
Reports to: Customs Affairs Operations Manager
RCS Grade: K
Why You’ll Love This Role
Ready to shape the future of work? We’re looking for an Imports Manager who will be responsible for the daily control and management of the Imports department, which includes maintaining and developing DHL’s Johannesburg Gateway Customs Affairs standards, thus ensuring an excellent service to the network and satisfying and meeting our customers’ needs.
What you’ll own
- Ensure continuous improvement of customer satisfaction through effective import service initiatives and strategies.
- Drive service performance that meets and exceeds customer expectations, positioning DHL as a leader in import operations.
- Build strong working relationships with customers, managing escalations and ensuring swift resolution of import-related issues.
- Manage interactions with external partners and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless inbound service delivery.
- Ensure all inbound clearances comply with applicable customs legislation and DHL standards.
- Oversee the control and management of import customs cases, including SARS Stops, ensuring timely resolution and compliance.
- Ensure every inbound shipment is processed accurately and in line with defined DHL quality standards.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of import regulations, compliance requirements, and customs legislation.
- Monitor daily import operations to ensure smooth workflow and adherence to service performance targets.
- Ensure regional service standards are consistently met or exceeded across all DHL Operations scorecards.
- Identify bottlenecks within the import process and implement corrective actions to improve service levels and transit times.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure effective resource utilisation and operational efficiency.
- Continuously review and refine import processes to improve productivity and service value.
- Develop, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and operational performance.
- Lead initiatives to optimise import customs processes, ensuring alignment with best practices and business objectives.
- Manage key relationships with internal stakeholders (Operations, Customer Service, Customs Affairs, Gateway teams) and external stakeholders (Customers, regulatory bodies, and customs authorities).
What we are looking for
- Diploma or Degree in Management, Customs Clearance, or related field.
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in Import operations, customs, or logistics management.
- 5-7 years’ experience in a management role within express or logistics and driving operational performance
- 5-7 years’ experience within the Imports environment
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Why Join Us?
Because at DHL, we don’t just move shipments—we move careers forward. You’ll work with a global leader that values innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning. Expect growth opportunities, a collaborative culture, and the chance to make a real impact.
Ready to make your mark? Apply now and let’s build the future together